New artists-in-residence announced at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum in Cheltenham has announced its second group of talented new artists in residence.

The pioneering We Are Creators scheme encourages and supports local artists at the beginning of their career, as well as enriching Gloucestershire’s creative arts. Following its successful inaugural launch last year, the bursary has been offered to a second group of artists that will take up residency in the museum for 12 months.

The nine new artists work in a range of different disciplines including sculpture, fine art, photography, mixed media, illustration, folk art and ceramics. They will be provided with artist studio and exhibition space, as well as supported with programming and delivery of exhibitions and events.

In return for the bursary artists provide twelve days throughout the year to run workshops at the museum and share their chosen discipline with visitors through We Are Creators (WAC) events, which are open to everyone to take part in.

The artists also have the opportunity to showcase their work in the Sir Charles Irving Community Art Gallery to thousands of visitors and the local community. Last year’s programme saw the first group of artists begin their 12-month residencies following the reopening of The Wilson.

The second group of artists were selected by The Wilson’s Creative Communities Panel, which represents a diverse range of communities. They will start their residences on 5 January 2024, and they will run for 12 months.

The artists are Dominyka Vincaite, a research and experiment-led artist, utilising images, film, mixedmedia and digital animation, text and soundscape; Genaro Martinez Medina, a freelance illustrator and designer; Jade Fisher, disabled portrait photographer; Jo Hepburn, sculptor; Megan Burridge, artist inspired by nature and landscapes; Millie Elliott, photographic artist; Nic Pehkonen, multidisciplinary artist; Zariq Rosita-Hanif, an autodidact folk art artist and Jamie Banks, who’s art blends between painting and sculpture.

Lisa Edgar, Head of Culture at The Wilson said: “We Are Creators has been developed in response to Cheltenham’s Cultural Vision and Strategy. It enables The Wilson to become an anchor organisation supporting creative communities and providing a platform for creative people to work together helping culture and creativity in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire to thrive and grow.”

More information on We Are Creators can be found at The Wilson website.