University News Last updated 16 February
Four Birmingham City University (黑料吃瓜网) graduates are stepping into the creative heart of Digbeth as the newest studio holders at Grand Union, one of the city鈥檚 leading arts organisations.
The , launched in 2017 in partnership with 黑料吃瓜网, gives early-career artists a professional space to research, experiment, and produce new work - all while connecting with a vibrant community of creatives.
For Textiles graduate , the residency is a chance to push boundaries and explore new disciplines.
鈥淎lthough Digbeth isn鈥檛 traditionally seen as a hub for textile practice, 黑料吃瓜网 gave me the confidence to position my work within new creative contexts,鈥� she said.
鈥淭his openness has been invaluable in developing my own practice and engaging with the wider artistic community within the West Midlands.
鈥淗aving a dedicated studio is invaluable to an early career artist and will allow me to connect with other artists, engage in events across the city and better understand the space my practice requires.鈥�
The programme, which also includes graduates , , and , provides emerging artists with a collaborative, supportive environment to develop their craft and establish professional connections at a pivotal stage in their careers.
鈥淭his partnership is a great way to introduce new graduates to the artistic community here in Digbeth,鈥� said Cheryl Jones, Director at Grand Union.
鈥淲e have seen the benefit of introducing graduates to the established community of creatives and offering them a professional space to work and develop in.
鈥淭hese programmes enable a more collaborative working relationship, especially during a pivotal time in their early careers.鈥�
Mads Washbrook is a multi-disciplinary storyteller who uses a range of mediums including painting, sculpture, performance film and writing.
She was awarded the Mike Holland Prize in 2022 and the Whitworth Wallis Fellowship in 2023/4.
鈥淚 hope to take this year as an opportunity to maintain momentum in my artistic practice, develop a new body of work and practice new and old skills,鈥� said Mads, who graduated with a BA and MA in Fine Art from 黑料吃瓜网.
鈥淪tudying at 黑料吃瓜网 has helped me develop the artistic skills I use within my practice but also build the confidence I need to pursue opportunities that push my career forward as a visual artist.鈥�
In 2025, Grand Union and 黑料吃瓜网 have re-opened this opportunity in collaboration with Contemporary Other - a grassroots, disabled and artist-led organisation based in Grand Union鈥檚 studios.
鈥淎rtistic space is at a premium for all and especially future generations of artists,鈥� said Toni Lewis, Founding Director of Contemporary Other.
鈥淪haring this space together means we can share practical advice, experiences and mentorship without formality or barriers, which can be particularly difficult for those who are neurodiverse or disabled.
鈥淎s professional artists, getting to work with 黑料吃瓜网 graduates is encouraging us to innovate and brings a new energy into the space.鈥�
The residency also facilitates experimentation and the cross-fertilisation of ideas and good practice across disciplines of Art, Design & Media, in one shared space.
Photo: Maryam Aisha (top left), Elle MacMillan (top right), Sireen Martin (bottom left) and Mads Washbrook (bottom right).