The Platform Graduate Award 2014 announced at aspex

Photo credit: Matt Ankers

Portsmouth’s own artist Lord Mayor and Peter Heslip, Director of Visual Arts, Arts Council England announced that Sophie Dixon was the recipient of this prestigious regional award at a celebration at aspex on Saturday.

Now in its third year, the Platform Graduate Award 2014 aims to support graduate professional development and nurture emerging talent from universities and colleges in the South East region.

Working as part of CVAN SE (Contemporary Visual Arts Network, South East), five galleries in South East England – aspex, Portsmouth; De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill; Modern Art Oxford; MK Gallery, Milton Keynes and Turner Contemporary, Margate – each showcased the work of recent graduates from their region, selected from university and college degree shows, and went on to nominate 5 artists to be considered for the prestigious award.

The work of 31 graduates from 16 universities and colleges was celebrated as part of the event, together with the work of the 5 shortlisted artists: Izabela Brudkiewicz, Sophie Dixon, Holger Kilumets, Samuel Lloyd and Rachael Minott.

Sophie Dixon, from the University of Kent, nominated by Turner Contemporary in Margate was chosen as this years award winner and will receive a £2500 financial award and a year of mentoring from an experienced art professional.

Joanne Bushnell, Director of aspex , said “We are thrilled to be hosting this important event in Portsmouth and welcoming so many artists, educators and colleagues from our gallery partners from right across the South East. Congratulations to Sophie Dixon, and to all of the artists who have participated this year”.

Amanda King, CVAN South East, said “The Platform Award celebrates the best of graduate talent in the region whilst giving practical support to emerging artists.  Thanks to all the galleries and universities involved in making it such a success”.

Posted by Ryan Coleman on Wednesday 5 November 2014