Manifesto
We love bold, authentic and ambitious artists
We love art that can take your breath away
We love artists that provoke, inspire and challenge perspectives
We believe in taking risks and making mistakes as part of growing and learning
We believe in creating a space where artists can be open and explore their work
We believe in hospitality, good times, cultural friends and strong networks
We commit to thinking globally, reaching across borders; art forms; nationalities; continents
We commit to having artists at the heart of what we do
We commit to ensuring talent is shared and seen by a diverse range of audiences
What Is Written Dance Company at UKNA City Takeover. Photograph by Reece Straw.
STORY
UK New Artists champions the next wave of creativity, supporting collaboration and intercultural dialogue, ensuring a vibrant and diverse creative future for the UK. We develop artists’ practice through cross art form opportunities and celebrate creativity at national & international presentations.
NEW ARTISTS
Since 2008, UK New Artists* has supported over 2300 new artists. Six City Takeovers in the East Midlands have allowed over 140,000 audiences to see new work for free. We have taken 70 artists to represent the UK at 8 editions of the International Biennale of Young Artists of Europe and the Mediterranean (BJCEM), and selected 20 artists to exhibit their work in Seoul, South Korea, and Shanghai, China. Our programmes have brought artists from all disciplines together to collaborate and expand their practice, from our seaside Weekender residencies; to our intercultural gatherings in Norway and Leicester, to our digital talks and masterclasses. See our full portfolio of projects here.
CREATIVE CITIZENS
UKNA’s Talent Development programme, Creative Citizens is an ongoing series of workshops, events, projects and presentations for, with and by young people (predominantly 14-19yrs). This strand of work began in early 2018 and since then we have worked with over 750 young participants from across the UK on projects connecting them to over 50 artists and exploring every major art form area. Read more here.
Our New Artists and Creative Citizens programmes intersect and intertwine by providing opportunities for artists to facilitate and deliver activities for young people, and by giving young people the chance to share their work at New Artists events and presentations.
UK New Artists is a registered charity, supported by Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby, University of Lincoln and Arts Council England. Read more about our supporters here.
*UK New Artists (UKNA) was formally known as UK Young Artists (UKYA). As of April 2020, artists at any age above 18 within the first 10 years of their professional practice are eligible for our opportunities. Read more here.