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The ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Artists Futures Fund (AFF) and invites current students and recent graduates of Swansea College of Art to apply for the 2025/26 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship.

This prestigious Fellowship offers a transformative opportunity for emerging visual artists who are eager to launch sustainable, impactful careers in the creative industries. UWTSD is calling on final-year undergraduate and MA students (graduating in 2025), as well as alumni who graduated within the past two years, to apply for this life-changing initiative.

The successful Fellows are based at their host university for a full calendar year. They are provided with a studio within the Fine Art department, access to workshop and library facilities and supported by a teaching mentor.

The focus of the Fellowships is on sustained development of practice, alongside which Fellow’s support with teaching the current students at their host university.

Fellowship Benefits Include:

• £10,000 Unrestricted Bursary: Designed to alleviate financial barriers and allow Fellows to focus on developing their creative practice.
• Full-Time Studio Access: In-kind support from UWTSD includes access to studio spaces, facilities, and technical resources.
• Mentorship: Fellows are paired with an academic mentor who provides tailored, professional guidance.
• Career & Professional Development: Fellows benefit from a structured programme delivered online and in person, plus ongoing alumni support.
• Public Engagement & Showcase: Fellows gain experience in community engagement and co-curate a final group exhibition.
• Networking: Extensive opportunities to connect with industry professionals and peers.

UWTSD’s Programme Manager of Fine Art: Studio Site & Context Visual Artist & Researcher,  Professor Sue Williams, said:  

“We are extremely happy to be in partnership with Artists Future Funds 2025/26.  Fine Art: Studio Site & Context in Swansea is a unique course that is founded upon the importance of a studio community. The Fellowship will become an important addition to our creative dialogue amongst staff and students, in turn enabling the fellow to develop and drive their ambitions in a creative environment, a vital place within a world that continues to be challenging and disruptive. It offers a step-up to a chosen graduate or alumni who wishes to embrace a future within the visual arts with our support.”

The Breakthrough Artist Fellowship is designed to support artists who face significant economic, social, physical, or mental health barriers. AFF and UWTSD are committed to ensuring that talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly in terms of race and gender, have access to meaningful support as they transition into the creative industries.

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director of Art, and Media at UWTSD, said:

“We are incredibly proud that Swansea College of Art has once again been selected to host the Breakthrough Artist Fellowship. Being part of this prestigious national programme is a powerful endorsement of the excellence and impact of our Fine Art courses. It reflects our deep commitment to empowering emerging artists and providing the support they need to thrive beyond university.”

Applications for the 2025/26 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship open on Friday 16 May 2025 and close on Friday 27 June 2025. Interested candidates can access the application form and full details by visiting the Artists Futures Fund website at . Applicants will be shortlisted by UWTSD and one lead candidate and one reserve candidate will be submitted to AFF for final selection. The 10-month Fellowship will run from October 2025 to July 2026.

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476