The Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) South East announced this September a list of 23 graduate artists from universities across the South East region who were nominated for the Platform Graduate Award 2019.

Bedfordshire School of Art & Design student Natalie was originally put forward for the award by the MK Gallery and has been selected as one of the final four graduates, who represent some of the finest emerging visual artists in the region.

Natalie said: “The MK Gallery space shows work from internationally recognised artists and the chance to be in that company started the new academic year on a high.”

Natalie is a Bedfordshire Fine Art graduate who is currently studying the MA in Art & Design at Bedfordshire. She said: “I’m enjoying the new challenges that it offers.”

The four partner galleries will hold exhibitions to display the graduates’ degree show work, with Natalie’s work being showcased at MK Gallery from 7 – 30 November 2019.

An artist from each gallery is nominated for the award. The winning artist will be announced on 23 November by guest selector and artist Mikhail Karikis. The winner will receive a bursary of £2,000 and bespoke mentoring for 12 months to help them develop their artistic practice.

Natalie said: “At first I was just excited about the prospect of the show, but now the prize seems more real since I have been shortlisted and have to attend an interview about my plans and practice. 

“The grant would allow me to invest far more than I am usually able to into materials, space and all things practical; however, it’s the mentoring which I think is a much longer term advantage providing new relevant people as contacts.

“These opportunities all came through the University (of Bedfordshire) and the support from School of Art & Design staff who are always pushing us to get out there and make things happen. The industry contacts and knowledge of the department has really helped me to maintain momentum.”

Natalie is interested in a ‘second nature’ nature in her work – that is, in an environment that has already been manipulated and designed and which she then further transforms in order to make it her own.

CVAN South East Manager Oliver Sumner said: “I would like to congratulate Natalie on being nominated for the Platform Graduate Award 2019.

“We are proud to be supporting some of the most exciting artists graduating this year in the South East, and it has been a real pleasure to get to talk to some of them during the exhibitions.”

Natalie’s work will be exhibited at MK Gallery, Milton Keynes from 7 – 30 November 2019.