Sharing our Value
The collaborative proposition of UK New Artists to Funders and Sponsors
Creating a National Hub in the East Midlands for New Artists
Front cover image: Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2021 Finalists. UKNA Leicester City Takeover 2022. Photo by Tom Morley.
Foreword
Paul Foster
Director of the Saatchi Gallery
Over the past 5 years, Saatchi Gallery has worked with UK New Artists (UKNA) on the annual Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award. Each year we have been proud to host the exhibition of artists shortlisted by the judges for the award. Each year we’ve found that the calibre of work is high and the process, overseen by UKNA, to be incredibly smooth. We don’t take either of those facts lightly and we attribute a great deal of the accomplishment to UKNA.
Although the annual award is the focus of our relationship with UKNA, we’re very aware of the work that UKNA undertakes more widely. We see it feeding into the annual award and we see how UKNA enables artists to find a route to present their works to wider audiences. We have come to value what they showcase & champion. Over the past five years Saatchi Gallery has increasingly considered the annual award to be a valuable means for us to identify artists whose works we could further showcase in our spaces outside of the award. We included works by Wesley George in a group show that ran alongside our major exhibition The New Black Vanguard; we recently presented a solo exhibition of the Body & Flesh series by the painter Sofia Laskari; the works of Anne von Freyburg have returned to feature in two group shows; the sculptors Jacob Talkowski and Catriona Robertson installed works in a show entitled Everyday Monuments earlier this year; and, notably, we worked with Catriona on a solo installation of sculptural works in our 2023 Chelsea Flower Show garden. All of these opportunities arose from projects with UKNA; not by chance, but by their design and their dedication.
We believe UKNA share our own evangelical commitment to making art accessible to as many people as possible and encouraging artists from all backgrounds to strive to excel. They put artists and their work front and centre in all that they do. Hell, with their heart on their sleeve, they even have ‘New Artists’ as the key element in their name. I hope they keep on prospecting for talent and we’ll watch attentively to see what marvels they discover.
Key words from our Chair
Professor David McGravie
Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Chester
I am deeply proud and humbled to be the Chair of such a fabulous and important organisation. Led by a team of passionate creatives who have collective ambitions to change artists’ lives through the opening of the doors that for so many have stayed firmly shut or have been largely inaccessible.
We are a national creative development organisation that supports new artists across diverse creative disciplines, including visual arts, music, performance, theatre, and dance. We aim to bridge the gap between audiences and new artists supporting them through dedicated programmes and providing a range of opportunities to exhibit and perform their work nationally across the UK and Internationally.
‘People , Place and Practice’ is our flagship programme which invests in a place and for the people. Its purpose is to celebrate voices from all walks of life and nurture creativity and collaboration. Our future plans are to take this programme and create a national hub in the East Midlands for New Artists to work and thrive
I am proud of the many partnerships and collaborations with Arts Council England, our partner universities, trusts, foundations, and sponsors as collectively they support our many programmes and initiatives. I would like to thank them for their ongoing support and commitment to the arts and cultural sector and in particular, their support to our wonderful artists.
Michelle Bowen
Director of UK New Artists
Partner with UKNA to Unlock Creativity and Empower Artists
At UK New Artists (UKNA), we pave the way for everyone to engage with the contemporary art world, fostering a vibrant and diverse creative economy in the UK that is truly world-class. Our commitment is to create a brighter future for emerging artists across the UK, irrespective of their background or education. We believe creativity is a powerful catalyst for change. By supporting UKNA, you contribute positively to the cultural landscape. We seek partners who share our passion and recognise the transformative power of creativity in fostering education, driving innovation, and celebrating diversity.
The ‘Sharing our Value’ document highlights the significant impact we consistently achieve, backed by qualitative and quantitative evidence. It outlines our past successes and future potential, showcasing how your investment can make a difference for new artists across the UK. Our support empowers creatives to excel, significantly enhancing their abilities, confidence, and career longevity.
Our Key Achievements
Supporting Change:
• Confidence in responding to a creative brief increased from 69% to 85%
• Confidence in running participative workshops with the public rose from 26% to 69%
• Confidence in managing creative projects improved from 69% to 92%
• Confidence in marketing/communicating creative projects increased from 44% to 92%
Supporting Artists:
• UKNA has seen demand for our work surge by 300% in recent times demonstrating the importance and value what we do
• Engaged 1,000 young participants from across the UK, connecting them with over 75 artists and exploring every major art form
• Supported 134 artists in showcasing their work internationally for the first time
• Supported over 3,500 artists since our inception
• Boosted confidence in creating work in response to specific places from 56% to 92%
We are dedicated to cultivating bespoke, mutually rewarding partnerships. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, break down barriers, and create positive change that resonates far beyond our reach.
For comprehensive information on sponsorship and partnership opportunities, including detailed examples and associated costs, please reach out to Michelle Bowen at michelle@uknewartists.co.uk
Michelle Bowen with UKNA Team, Vikki Jones, Tom Cansdale and Madara Vimba. Photo by Megan Hollingworth
Our Vision
People, Place and Practice
Taking Place (People, Place, and Practice) offers a unique programme that centres on collaborative exploration, creating an integrated journey for creatives, audiences, communities, young people, and universities. Our mission is to highlight the indispensable role of artists in shaping unique and vibrant spaces, fostering a brighter creative future for the UK, driving positive change, and redefining the identity of city landscapes.
We aspire to expand our programme into a National Hub in the East Midlands for New Artists - an ambitious initiative designed to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. This expansion will bolster our efforts to support the arts and create a dynamic and inclusive platform for emerging talent across the nation.
Taking Place (People Place and Practice) is an annual programme which has two key components: New Artist Collective and Creative Citizens that cross over at various points, creating a space for learning and collaboration.
New Artist Collective; a crossdisciplinary group of artists from across the UK who are within the first 10 years of professional practice.
Creative Citizens; a talent development programme for young people (14-19yrs). Built on three pillars – ‘information’, ‘inspiration’ and freedom for ‘exploration’ which are essential for young people to flourish and thrive. Creative Citizens supports young people to explore their creativity and connect with the work of new artists.
New Artist Collective (NAC) data:
neurodivergent
Meet some of our People
Jay Johnson performing at UKNA Leicester City Takeover 2022. Photo by Matt Cawrey.
Cat Anderson
Cat Anderson is an emerging creative producer, facilitator and curator based in the East Midlands.
‘Too Queer for Lincolnshire Cozy Conversations’. Hosted by The MashUP and Obscene Pomegranate, supported by UKNA.
Cat’s first role in her portfolio career was with UKNA as a project assistant on an artist residency, where she recognised her keenness for artist development and supporting creative careers. She has since worked with UKNA on several occasions, gaining practical skills in project management whilst developing a holistic, relationship-led approach to working which she has also applied to her independent projects.
“UKNA has been a cornerstone of my professional journey as an early-career producer. They provided me with my first freelance role after university, and their unwavering support since then has demonstrated a dedicated commitment to my development. Their support comes in various forms, from understanding my ambitions and creating tailored opportunities for my growth to offering financial support for my LGBTQ+ arts collective.
UKNA has actively fostered an environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This inclusive approach has enriched my experiences within the organisation and encouraged me to champion diversity in the broader creative community.
The mentorship and guidance I receive from UKNA continues to significantly shape my professional journey, and their expansive networks have led to valuable connections and collaborations that have further enriched my career.”
Jarvis Brookfield
Winner of the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year People’s Choice Award 2021 People’s Choice Award
UKNA City Takeover: Leicester 2022
Selected Artist for UKNA Outward Mission to Kenya 2024
Jarvis Brookfield.
Photo by Reece Straw.
Born of mixed African and British heritage, in Croydon, England in 1992, Jarvis Brookfield is an artist who spent his formative years in Derby and studied Fine Art at De Montfort University in Leicester. In 2021, he was awarded the People’s Choice Prize as part of the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award, where a collection of his paintings were exhibited at Saatchi Gallery in London. In 2022, he was commissioned by The World Reimagined to create a globe for their nationwide arts educational project.
“UK New Artists (UKNA) are both a sanctuary and an observatory for creatives like myself who often work in isolation, spending countless hours in our studios. They remind us of the true value of community, collaboration, dialogue, cross-pollination, and the all-encompassing nature of creativity.
Since encountering UKNA in 2020, I have participated in several empowering opportunities that have catalysed my career as an artist. Winning the People’s Choice Award as part of the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award in 2021 was a turning point, offering me the chance to exhibit my work at Saatchi in London and gain wider recognition. Delivering a talk about my journey at De Montfort University ahead of the Leicester City Takeover in 2022 expanded my comfort zone and opened up new possibilities for my future. Being a part of the kaleidoscopic City Takeover, to say the least was healing and elevating.
For me, UK New Artists, with their proven dedication through diligent work to support creatives, are a vital, medicinal, and empowering force in the world of arts.”
Artwork by Jarvis Brookfield at UKNA Leicester City Takeover 2022. Photo by Tom Morley.
Sara Yaseen Mahmood
Creative Citizens 2018 - 2021
Member of the UKNA Creative ThinkTank 2022 - 2023
BA Fine Art, Manchester School of Art 2023 - 2026
Workshop with young people as part of Leicester City Takeover 2022. Photo by Katie Franklin.
‘’I first got involved with UKNA for my Gold Arts Award, when I was 15. Vikki Jones from UKNA was my mentor, guiding a small group of us young artists through the process with regular meetings at NTU, over a few years. I had previously completed my Bronze Arts Award as a child and wanted to push myself to achieve the highest level. As well as gaining the 16 tariff points, in order to apply to Architecture School (what I thought at the time was my calling).
Exploring portraiture and painting, researching contemporary artists and expanding my practice, gaining practical experience of different roles in the art world and developing leadership expertise. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many creative opportunities from volunteering as an invigilator, supporting family workshops and writing the article ‘Can Art Be Considered Medicine?’ for Voice Magazine. As well as more recently being one of 3 youth members on the UKNA Creative ThinkTank; an advisory group of multidisciplinary artists from across the UK. Most recently I worked with UKNA on People, Place and Practice: Lincoln to inspire communities with free access to the arts and celebrate the new talent in the UK.
Each experience with UKNA has introduced and connected me to incredible young artists; musicians, dancers, painters, mixed media artists, spoken word artists, which has allowed me to expand my network, leading to other exciting opportunities.”
Sara Yaseen Mahmood.
UKNA City Takeover: Leicester 2022
UKNA New Artist Collective 2022 - 2023
Zara Sands
Zara Sands. Photo by Anthony Crockett.
Zara Sands is an interdisciplinary artist working across choreography, moving image, sound, installation and text, often referencing speculative fiction, sci-fi and thoughts stemming from queer ecology. In 2019 she graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire with BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance and has since been working as a performer and artist. Her work is often concerned with teasing apart how the body is observed and perceived, and how the body is lived in and experienced. She has created work shown by platforms such as Channel 4’s Random Acts, BFI Southbank, Royal Academy Lates, videoclub, Birmingham International Dance Festival, AIR Gallery, and Nunnery Gallery.
“UKNA has opened so many doors for me in ways that I think can be challenging to come across as a new artist. For me, a massive part of this was having supported time and space dedicated to being with other artists from across different disciplines, and a structure through which we could find a sense of artistic community, even whilst newly navigating working and living as a freelancer - something which can in many cases feel inaccessible without support.
Being a part of New Artist Collective #1 particularly developed my confidence in engaging with artists working across different disciplines and industries to what I was previously familiar with, and played a crucial role igniting my interest in parallels between movement and visual art. I have been so inspired by so many of the artists I was able to connect with through UKNA and have worked with three UKNA artists since on different projects of our own, one of which was nominated as a finalist for The Stage Awards this year.”
UKNA Taking Place: Lincoln, Zara Sands. Photo by Sophie Lavender.
Tom Stockley (T.S. Idiot)
UKNA Cornish Weekender 2018
UKNA Cultural Leadership Programme 2018
UKNA New Artist Collective 2022 - 2023
Tom Stockley (T.S. Idiot)
T.S. Idiot is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, creative producer and facilitator. They are also a proud spokesperson as someone who is queer, Jewish and working class - much of their work involves encouraging more conversations, awareness and advocacy for marginalised experiences and communities.
As an artist and writer they have produced theatre and live art, published poetry and short stories, created films and audio and produced interactive events and multimedia installations. Their work is exploratory, process-led and seeks to explore collective experiences, identities and histories playfully and collaboratively.
“I first worked with UKNA on a residency in 2018. Residencies were something I’d been trying to do for a while but was struggling to find the support and resources to make it happen - UKNA changed that! I then worked with them again on the cultural leadership course, learning some new skills, strategies and confidence boosters that helped me to plan my way forward as a self-employed artist. Then I went for the hat trick and joined the New Artist Collective, already trusting in the process and support that UKNA would offer. There’s always surprises with creative projects, but what didn’t surprise me was the space, support (actual, real support), time and encouragement that UKNA offered us as we navigated the project, the town and our art. To have all of those things provided, and to feel genuinely appreciated for my creative skills is something that shouldn’t be as rare as it is, but has been my experience with UKNA every time.”
UKNA Weekend Celebration of Creativity, Lincoln 2023. Photo by Tom Morley.
Sam Tahmassebi
Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2021
UKNA New Artist Collective 2022 - 2023
UKNA London Weekender 2023
Lead artist for 2024 New Factory Residency (Taking Place: Derby)
Sam Tahmassebi. Photo by Reece Straw.
Sam Tahmassebi is a London based visual artist working in a range of mediums including photography, sculpture, paint and installation. His practice is influenced by questions of society, psychology and philosophy, and their interconnectedness. He is the recipient of the Road to Rio Award from the University of East London and National Portrait Gallery, and the Graduate Award from the National Open Art competition.
“My relationship with UKNA began after being shortlisted for the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2021. I gained two sales following that show, which were an incredible boost to my confidence in my practice as well as the obvious financial support to continue making. Since 2021, I have been on an upwards trajectory, being accepted on two residencies; most notably the New Artist Collective #1. This pushed me out of my comfort zone, fully supported by UKNA, and opened up a new path into public sculpture, which I had been longing for.
As a creative practitioner, you are often unaware of your own skills and expertises because you’re working and researching alone. What I deeply admire and respect about UKNA, is that not only do they recognise what lies beneath the surface, but they give you opportunities to demonstrate and develop them. This was really brought home when I was invited to give a talk and to lead a fresh round of the New Artist Collective #2 this year, which developed my lecturing approach, rigour and presentation skills on a topic that I was uniquely educated to discuss.”
UKNA Weekend Celebration of Creativity, Lincoln 2023. Photo by Tom Morley.
UKNA New Artist Collective 2022 - 2023
Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2023 runner-up
Kim Thompson
Kim Thompson. Photo by Tom Morley.
Kim Thompson is a Nottingham based artist. Through Kim’s journey with UKNA and her involvement with UKNA’s New Artist Collective #1, she was able to broaden her portfolio and networks through additional opportunities with new connections and resources.
Following her involvement in UKNA’s Power of Perception session, Kim felt better able to understand how she could balance her commercial and artistic pursuits, and with the support of an agent she was able to free up more time to dedicate to her own practice. This saw Kim’s practice expand and grow in confidence, which was illustrated when she secured a £5,000 runner-up prize at the annual Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award, held at Saatchi Gallery. This award not only recognised her voice as a new artist but also provided her with further support to develop her practice.
‘’UKNA have been absolutely instrumental in the development of my creative career. From hands-on support and mentoring, to being part of their Lincoln collective, to being made aware of opportunities to further my creative journey, UKNA have helped me to achieve an immense amount in both my confidence and development of my practice.
My first solo exhibition with New Art Exchange, Nottingham is an exciting marker of progress that has been greatly informed by all that I’ve gained from my experience with UKNA. Moving forward, it’s great to know they are a resource for new artists, their contribution to supporting new art is proven and integral to the creative community.’’
‘Paper Roses’ by Kim Thompson developed as a result of UKNA’s Taking Place: Lincoln 2022/2023 programme.
Place
People, Place and Practice encourages artists to engage with and explore new places, collaborate with diverse perspectives, and share their experiences, igniting inspiration for artists’ practice and the place’s creative landscape.
UK New Artists has worked in:
Lincoln
Derby
Nottingham
Skegness
Mablethorpe
Blackpool
London
Leicester
Derry ~ Londonderry
St Ives
Preston
Belper
Worksop
Over the past 3 years, we’ve received over 7,500 applications from artists from across the UK, spanning Shetland to Plymouth and from Stockport to Enniskillen, for all aspects of our programmes. As an example of this reach the launch of Taking Place: People, Place, and Practice programme attracted 455 artists from across the UK to apply, with geographical breakdown of:
London and South East 37%
South West 5%
Midlands 32%
North West 8%
North East and Yorkshire 12%
Scotland and Wales 6%
UKNA supports international programming which introduces new artists to working internationally, often for the first time. UKNA has focussed on collaborations and partnerships in East Asia ( South Korea and China) Europe (inc. Nordic countries), North America and Sub Saharan Africa.
UK New Artists has worked in:
Albania; Tirana South Korea; Seoul Italy; Milan, Puglia, Rome, Bari Norway; Kristiansand China; Shanghai Canada; Montreal Republic of Macedonia Greece; Thessaloniki Kenya; Mombasa
Practice
We support artists across a range of disciplines, spanning from visual arts, music to performance, theatre and dance.
UKNA is a catalyst for developing artist-led activity
UKNA prioritises artistic engagement, empowering new artists to drive cultural transformation in cities.
BLANK SPACE : Derby
UKNA supported an artist-led multi-purpose space in the heart of Derby, which was brought to life through a public programme of events that celebrated local talent and animated the city. It provided temporary studio spaces for local creatives and graduating artists to experiment within a supportive environment. Artists contributed to the creation of vibrant new spaces that stimulated creativity, activity, and positivity in the city.
The MashUP : Lincoln
The MashUP (TMU) is a Lincoln-based creative platform led by artists, for artists. Their mission is to amplify and showcase creative voices across all disciplines and develop a more diverse and dynamic cultural landscape in Lincoln and Lincolnshire, with local talent at the heart of everything they do.
UKNA partnered with The MashUP, to develop and test a short-term takeover of a disused high street location. This support and interventions by UKNA has enabled TMU to further establish its position as a grassroots organisation. By occupying this position, TMU operates as a link between the University and the wider creative community in Lincoln.
‘’UKNA’s invaluable support has not only provided us with strategic guidance and insights for future growth as a grassroots organisation but has also recognised and amplified our voices as artists striving to provide a platform for other new artists in the city. ‘’
The MashUP
‘Old Walls, New Art’ exhibition as part of UKNA Taking Place: Derby 2024 Programme. Photo by Tom Morley.
Creative Citizens
Information, Inspiration and Exploration, the three pillars of our Creative Citizens work, are essential for young people to thrive and develop into confident, interesting and interested artists, collaborators and innovators.
Creative Citizens provides young people with a unique opportunity to engage with artists across various disciplines. Through participatory projects in local communities, participants cultivate a broader and deeper understanding of their own artistic practice and that of others, collectively recognising how it all fits together.
Creative Citizens focuses on connecting young audiences with artists, particularly those aspiring to pursue similar paths. As our organisation evolves, we remain committed to prioritising initiatives that enhance accessibility, ensuring that individuals with historically limited opportunities can engage with high-quality artists, arts experiences, and resources.
UKNA Nottingham City Takeover 2019. Photo by Matt Cawreyand Ziqi Bai.
Paul Carrick
Community Partner
Neighbourhood Manager – Sincil Bank. Lincoln
Featuring the work of over 100 residents and school children from Sincil Bank in Lincoln, ‘Head in the Clouds’ mural is a celebration of Sincil Bank, its people, places and the memories they have made there. ‘Head in the Clouds’ was created with the support from KFC Foundation and Michael Cornish Charitable Trust.
Deltail: ‘Head in the Clouds’ mural, created in collaboration with Sincil Bank Community, designed by Ellen Ranson. Photo by Tom Morley.
‘’UK New Artists supported projects in Lincoln over twelve months from 2022 – 2023. One of the projects we worked on closely together was the development of a mural which brightened up one of our key gateways into the area. UK New Artists engaged with local school children and turned their designs into an installation on the gable end of a property which has not only been a wonderful project for local children to be involved in that has enabled them to express their creativity but has also helped to change many people’s perception of this area. The legacy of this work is that there are further works planned to improve this gateway and further improve the physical appearance of the neighbourhood.
It was a pleasure to work with UK New Artists and I would welcome the opportunity to work with them again on future projects in the City.’’
’Head in the Clouds’ postcards of artwork by young people in Sincil Bank, Lincoln. Photo by Tom Morley.
Our Partners and Supporters
Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2023, artwork by 2023 Prize Winner, Sofia Laskari. Photo by Tom Morley.
Robert Walters
At the forefront of discovering and championing exceptional artists who are representative of contemporary Britain, the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award has been a groundbreaking collaboration between UKNA, Robert Walters, and Saatchi Gallery since 2019.
Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2023. Photo by Tom Morley.
UK New Artists led on the conception, management, and delivery of the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award: an annual open competition.
The Award culminates in a dynamic exhibition of 10 exceptional artists at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery, London with cash prizes of £10K and £5K for the winner and runner-up each year – a significant investment in the next generation of artists.
Robert Walters is the world’s most trusted talent solutions business. Across the globe, they deliver specialist professional recruitment, recruitment outsourcing and talent advisory services in over 30 countries for businesses of all shapes and sizes, opening doors for people with diverse skills, ambitions, and backgrounds. Robert Walters wanted a way to embed contemporary art into the culture of the business; to showcase the company’s powerful international success story, and its commitment to innovation and emerging talent; and to introduce a new and exciting platform to entertain clients and reward staff.
“Providing opportunities for ambitious professionals to achieve their potential is the foundation of our business and as such it is a privilege to be able to provide such a platform for emerging artists in the UK. We are looking forward to the return of the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award.”
Toby Fowlston, CEO, Robert Walters
“It is a pleasure partnering with UKNA on the Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award. They are a highly professional team to work with, they have an outstanding network of emerging artists and a deep understanding of the sector. All of these things meant they brought invaluable expertise to the project and helped ensure the Awards were a huge success.”
Emma Bell, Group Communications Director, Robert Walters
Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award 2022 Winner Habib Hajallie and runner-up Tyreis Holder. Photo by Tom Morley.
4C Group
UKNA worked with the 4C Group to deliver enlightened investment in new, emerging artists. The bursary supports artists’ professional practice and creative development. It also provides an opportunity for the selected artist to present new work, created as part of the award period, at the Canopy by Hilton London City, which prides itself on being an art hotel set in one of the most creative parts of London. The presentations of work by new artists delights guests and connects new audiences to UKNA and the hotel.
“Having a separate studio space and the freedom to invest in paint, canvases and resources has enabled me to experiment with scale and materials, my parameters are less restricted.”
“I had the opportunity to present my work in a solo exhibition at Canopy by Hilton London City, owned and managed by 4C Group. It is not a gallery space and there were so many different and diverse people from all walks of life passing through, a lot more eyes on my work. Which is what you want as an artist, you don’t want to be limited to one audience.”
Wesley George, 22/24 Bursary Awardee.
Wesley George UKNA 4C Group Bursary Awardee 2022/2023, photo by Leoni Blue.
“The UKNA 4C Group Bursary has been a transformative force in my journey as an artist, especially considering my background as a working-class asylum seeker. The bursary has been instrumental in overcoming financial hurdles, enabling me to focus fully on my artistic endeavours.”
Parham Ghalamdar, 23/24 Bursary Awardee.
4C Group manages and develops properties and hotels in key business districts and leisure hot spots across the UK, Middle East, East Africa and Canada. The group’s mission is to operate sustainably, delight guests and investors, whilst striving to deliver a positive environmental and social impact within local communities.
‘’This is truly a full circle moment as my poetry journey got a jumpstart with UKNA’s City Takeover when I was an infant poet with only six poems to my name. It is great to know that UKNA believed in me then and continues to believe in me now. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for receiving this bursary which fuels my dedication to my craft and empowers me to delve into ever more ambitious projects.’’
Courtney Conrad, 24/25 Bursary Awardee.
Parham Ghalamdar UKNA 4C Group Bursary Awardee 2023/2024. Courtney Conrad UKNA 4C Group Bursary Awardee 2024/2025.
Higher Education Institutions
Nottingham Trent University University of Derby
University of Lincoln
“UKNA spent a year with us here at the University of Lincoln, running events, providing exhibition opportunities, feeding directly into teaching, and even holding a conference that saw new artists from across the UK join us at Lincoln Arts Centre for a weekend of conversation, provocation, and network building.
I was able to witness first-hand the transformative effects that their work had on our current students, our recent graduates, and on the wider creative community here in the city. UKNA provided inspiration, connection, and a first professionalising step for those about to launch their careers - and all this alongside some really great art. It’s tangible evidence of the difference that the arts make in our communities, and how we can work together to effect that change.”
Rachel Baynton, Associate Professor, University of Lincoln
UK New Artists is very grateful for the ongoing, core support of Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby, University of Lincoln without whom we would not exist. UK New Artists demonstrates the powerful synergy that can be created when academia and the arts collaborate. Such partnerships not only benefit students and emerging artists but also enrich the cultural and creative landscape of the community, fostering innovation and societal development.
Together they spearhead a national movement of university-arts partnerships. UKNA offers national and international opportunities for student artists, bridging the gap between degree programmes and the emergence and practising stages of an artist’s career, whilst making strong contributions to local civic, community and placemaking agendas. UKNA also opens up opportunities and pathways with 14-18 year olds into Higher Education especially for those that may feel this is out of reach to them.
UKNA Taking Place: Lincoln 2022 exhibition install with the support of University of Lincoln Students with curator Saziso Phiri.
Illustrative Partnership and Sponsorship Events
Aayushi performing at the launch of UKNA Taking Place: Lincoln Programme, November 2022. Photo by Sophie Lavender.
Afternoon of Art
UKNA created a bespoke tour for executives exploring artists’ studio spaces and galleries in the East End of London which was led by leading artist-curator, Rosalind Davis.
“I had an absolutely amazing time and it was truly an unforgettable experience. It was so inspiring to visit the artists studios and be able to see their work up close and enjoy such insightful conversations. Everyone was so lovely and generous with their time! Thank you to UKNA for creating this lovely opportunity and event.”
Tour guest, Innelli Udurawana
‘Old Walls, New Art’ exhibition as part of UKNA Taking Place: Derby 2024 Programme. Photo by Tom Morley.
‘And Eventually, a Plate’ by Parham Ghalamdar at Canopy by Hilton London City, supported by 4C Group and ‘Transform: A City Takeover’ by New Art Exchange.
And Eventually, a Plate
Supported by 4C Group, PAPI (London) and SexyMammaLoveSpaghetti (Nottingham)
In partnership with leading hospitality venues, UKNA has hosted a series of extraordinary dining experiences both in London and Nottingham. Sheffield-based painter and ceramicist, Parham Ghalamdar, had the opportunity to share his work through a series of courses inspired by his Iranian culture, and served on his own handmade ceramics.
This can be a great model for making new connections and showcasing an enlightened company to visitors and stakeholders.
The ‘And Eventually, a Plate’ ephemeral dining experienced at:
• Canopy by Hilton London City, as part of the UKNA 4C Group Bursary
• Nottingham at SexyMammaLoveSpaghetti as part of the Transform City Takeover, supported by New Art Exchange
“I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and chatting with familiar faces and new ones. It was a pleasure to learn about the artist’s work in such convivial and fun surroundings.”
‘And Eventually, a Plate’ attendee, Ivy Lam (solicitor based in London).
‘And Eventually, a Plate’ by Parham Ghalamdar at Canopy by Hilton London City, supported by 4C Group.
Financials Return on Investment
Jamal Sterrett performing at UKNA Creative Kick-Off at Canopy by Hilton London City 2023. Photo by Leoni Blue.
UKNA Annual Revenues:
UKNA has an annual base turnover of circa £270k. The charts below provide a summary overview of our revenue streams by sponsor and how the funds are used in delivering our programmes to achieve corporate objectives.
UKNA base revenue split by sponsor
41% Public Funding
11% Trust & Foundations
15% Higher Educational Institutions
33% Private Supporters & Sponsors
UKNA income distribution by spend category
70% Direct Artistic Activity, Communities & Artists
30% Overheads & Staff
UKNA Medium Term Revenue Growth Projection:
The management team and board are working closely to grow the organisation, beyond its local authority roots, aiming to establish a regional and national presence. Our strategic focus involves working closely with larger government investment and increasing our annual revenues by circa 20% per annum over the next three years, with a target of growing from £270k (FY24) to £500k (YR27).
UKNA is working on broadening its strategy and developing the entire generation. This will be achieved by increasing our revenue streams through:
• Developing a sales and service package targeted at organisations of different sizes, leveraging on existing and past relationships.
• Introduction of management fees in terms of new sponsorship, this will help fund our overheads expected to increase as the organisation grows.
• Introduction of a trading arm which is expected to increase our ability to sell our services through consultancy and management services.
UKNA Weekend Celebration of Creativity as part of Taking Place: Lincoln 2022/2023.
Photo by Tom Morley.
Digital Content and Reach
Annual average:
50K
Website users
6.5K+
Facebook page members
4K+
Twitter followers
13K+
Instagram followers
Combined annual overviews:
23K+
Followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
700K
Average annual reach of people across our social media channels
80K
Visits to the UKNA website each year
UKNA Leicester City Takeover 2022. Photo by Tom Morley.
16 Years of Achievements
• £2.7m invested in New Artists’ talent
• Over 205,000 audiences seeing new work for free
• 6 City Takeovers delivered in the East Midlands
• 6 Weekender Residencies from St Ives to Blackpool
• 12 new contemporary works premiered for the first time in Lincoln in 2023
• Launched our first annual Symposium in 2023
• Sighted our first permanent public artwork ‘Head in the Clouds’ by Ellen Ranson, delivered in partnership with Sincil Bank Community Hub, Lincoln
• Over 40 talks and workshops available free on our website for free to support artists professional development
• 1000 young participants from across the UK on projects connecting them to over 75 artists and exploring every major art form area
• 153 free activities directly supported young people through our Creative Citizens programme
• 72 artists attended 8 editions of the International Biennale of Young Artists of Europe and the Mediterranean
• Supported 134 artists to show their work internationally for the first time
• £70,000+ sales of new artists work
• Active and proud members of a European Network, BJCEM
• Became a registered charity in 2015
• Awarded British Council Scoping Grant to Kenya for the first time in 2024
Launch of UKNA Taking Place: Derby Programme, April 2024. Photo by Tom Morley.
Thank You to Our Supporters and Funders
UK New Artists is very grateful for the ongoing, core support of the following organisations, without whom we would not exist. UKNA is proud to have also worked with the following trusts, foundations and business partners, whose support for our work - and the work of new artists across the UK - has been hugely important.
Core Partners:
Arts Council England
Nottingham Trent University
University of Derby
University of Lincoln
Programme Sponsors:
Robert Walters
4C Group
SO Festival
The MashUP
Innes England
Memorial Keith Addey
Nottingham BID
Nottingham City Transport
Preston City Council
PRS Foundation
British Council
Garrick Charitable Trust
Community Supporters:
Boots Charitable Trust
Browne Jacobson
Sincil Bank Community Partnership
The Chateau
Charity Supporters:
Foyle Foundation
D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Heritage Lottery Fund
Korea Foundation
Michael Cornish Charitable Trust
Nicholson Memorial Fund
The Mighty Creatives
Thomas Farr Charity
The KFC Foundation
P&C Hickinbotham Charitable Trust
Organisational Allies: New Art Exchange Eurodesk
Abingdon Studios Project Space
BJCEM: A European Network Supporting Creativity
And also thank you to those who wish to remain anonymous.
Back cover image: UKNA Nottingham City Takeover 2019. Photo by Fabrice Gagos.
UKNA is a national creative development organisation founded in 2008 and a registered charity (1164826) based in the East Midlands (company number 07157813).
For a list of our current trustees and team please head to www.uknewartists.co.uk/people
