Graduate Artists

The Graduate Artists programme (formerly Next Wave Associate) is a triennial opportunity for early-career artists based in the Midlands to exhibit at the RBSA Gallery as part of the Graduate Artists Exhibition. The programme is targeted towards artists who have graduated within the last 10 years and provides them with the opportunity to exhibit work and receive a 3-year membership of the Society at no cost.

Prior to selection for the exhibition, graduates are required to submit a body of work complete with an artist’s statement.  Following this, shortlisted artists attend an interview with the selection panel in which they will be given the opportunity to discuss their practice.

Artists selected for the exhibition receive valuable guidance on the development of their creative practice, which artworks to show in the exhibition, and the practicalities of exhibition design and installation.

Additional guidance is also offered to support professional development following this exhibition on topics such as:

• Increasing exhibiting opportunities
• Pricing work
• Networking
• Achieving financial sustainability as an artist
• Balancing teaching/paid work with art practice to allow the development of new work