Natalie joins 22 graduates from across 14 universities who represent some of the finest emerging visual artists in the South East region.

The selected graduates will be included in group and solo exhibitions between September 2019 and January 2020.

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.

Nigel Grimmer, Natalie’s tutor, Curriculum Leader for Contemporary Arts Practice at Bedfordshire, said: “Natalie Andrews has been an exemplary Fine Art student during her three years at The School of Art and Design. She has established a robust practice through many dedicated hours in the studio.

“Last year she had a solo exhibition at The Store Front gallery in Luton from which she learnt much about how art work is viewed by the public. Her degree show exhibition a year later built upon her research, questioning the relationship her work has with the space in which it is exhibited.

“Natalie will do well in the competition, it's great news that she has been selected to represent the University. We hope Natalie will continue her relationship with the Art School next year in the form of Postgraduate studies or on our Graduate Studio Assistant scheme.”

Established in 2012, the Platform Graduate Award is an initiative to support emerging graduate artistic talent to further their practice following graduation.

Platform focuses on artists in the first year after graduation; a critical time when the loss of the university support structure and financial pressures can test an artist’s dedication to their practice.

Jo Bushnell, Director of Aspex and Deputy Chair of CVAN South East, said: “The Platform Graduate Award has grown to be a vital showcase and professional development opportunity for emerging artists in the South East.

“At a time when our region’s exemplary art and design HE institutions face pressures of finance and national policy, it is also important to restate the contribution they make to our thriving sector.”

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