Footprint Gallery in partnership with Vibrant Shropshire present
Class of 25
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of Vibrant Shropshire’s ‘This is Shropshire’ Festival
Also sponsored by Secret Severn
Fully funded Arts Mentoring Programme
An opportunity to explore, develop, create and exhibit
We’re looking for 8–10 artists to join a unique, fully funded 8-week creative mentoring programme based at Footprint Gallery, Jackfield, Shropshire.
Whether you're at the beginning of your artistic journey or seeking new direction in your established practice, this project is designed to support and inspire.
Footprint Gallery has been commissioned by Vibrant Shropshire to deliver this project as part of the ‘This is Shropshire’ Festival. The commission is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
What to expect
Mentoring
Group sessions to guide your process and support your development.
Sketchbook Practice
Fill your sketchbook with explorations, ideas, writing, and drawings.
Exhibition
Complete a final piece (canvas or framed A2 work) to be exhibited alongside your sketchbook/s in a professional gallery space.
Awards Ceremony
A weekend exhibition open to the public, with a prize-giving event and feedback from professional judges.
Creative Community
Be part of a cohort of like-minded artists working towards a shared goal.
Project Timeline
1-hour group intro + Q&A
Specific tasks and sketchbook work set
Mentoring throughout
Final 2 days – create final piece in the gallery
Friday before final weekend – install work and sketchbooks for display
Final Weekend – public exhibition and awards
Jan Park
Meet your mentor
“Painting feels like the best way to live”
Jan studied Contemporary Textile Design, specialising in embroidery, then 1991 she went on to study at the University of the Wolverhampton, School of Art to gain her BA degree.
From her studio and gallery at Fusion in Jackfield, Jan now works as a full time artist.
Inspiration and pleasure come from the excitement and visual joy of daily life. Paintings are developed from sketch book studies whilst travelling and exploring, creating thought provoking images through words, drawing, painting and printmaking. Colours and textures play a significant role in the development of the work. Layers are built and balanced, the juxtaposition of colour and textural surfaces play their part in creating colourful images with a story to tell.
Work develops and evolves over time and outcomes are unknown until they arrive, evoking a sense of place or a remembered moment in time, hopefully then reminding the viewer of somewhere, something or someone.
Want to take part?
FAQs
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Any visual artist aged 18+ – whether you're a painter, drawer, illustrator, writer, or multimedia artist. All levels welcome. You must be able to commit to the full 8 week programme and be able to travel to Jackfield, TF8 7AP by your own means.
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No! This is open to both beginners and experienced artists.
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No – this programme is completely free to take part in, thanks to funding support from UKSPF and Secret Severn.
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Sessions and the exhibition will be held at Footprint Gallery, Fusion, Church Road, Jackfield, TF8 7AP
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All students will recieve a 'starter" drawing pack (value £35). Canvases will be supplied for the final project.
Students must supply their own materials and equipment to complete the work programme.
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You can apply by completing this form:
https://www.footprintgallery.co.uk/class-of-25-application
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.