Wysing Young Artists (WYA) is an exciting programme for young artists and curators, aged 14-19 years old. It helps young people in the Eastern region develop their arts practices in a professional environment and includes workshops and mentoring by professional artists.
The current programme began last October half term and culminates with an exhibition by twelve young artists at Wysing Arts Centre this weekend (24-25 March 2012). During the course of the programme, the artists have visited Kettles Yard and Tate Britain, had workshops with and mentoring by Wysing Studio Artists and taken part in a curating weekend to prepare for their exhibition.
Feedback from the programme has been really positive; young artist Lia Economou says, "I've loved the Wysing Young Artists programme, meeting inspirational people and exploring the art world. I feel more free and creative in my art work and it has opened lots of opportunities for me. Having had this experience I hope in the future I can inspire other people too”
The Wysing Young Artists exhibition will take place on 24th and 25th March 12–5pm at Wysing Arts Centre and includes works inspired by and produced during the centre’s programme of artists’ residencies, exhibitions and events.
Wysing Young Artists is supported by the Ernest Cook Trust.
A new summer residency strand, Wysing Young Artists in Residence, for artists age 16 – 24 years will be launched shortly. The summer programme will be part of the Plus Tate programme with applications opening from 14th April. For more information and details on how to apply visit http://www.wysingartscentre.org/programmes/learning.html
Wysing Young Artists is modelled on the Arts Council ‘Escalator’ talent programme run by Wysing Arts Centre.
Escalator Visual Arts at Wysing Arts Centre is a two year programme of support to artists and curators built around eight themed four day retreats organised in partnership with curators on the Royal College of Art Master degree Curating Contemporary Art. The programme generates new collaborations and networks for participants and invited contributors.
WYSING ARTS CENTRE is a research and development centre that practically tests out new ways of thinking in contemporary visual art where artists working from studios or undertaking international residencies are encouraged, alongside visitors, to take creative risks in a supportive environment in which the exploration of process and collaborative ways of working are paramount. Wysing was established in 1989 on the 11 acre site of a former farm, 8 miles west of Cambridge and is a registered charity (no.1039555.)
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For press and media enquiries, please contact:
Kirstin Bicknell - Education Development Manager
Tel: 01954 717103 / 07770 643165
Email: kirstin.bicknell@wysingartscentre.org
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