Understanding the Platform Graduate Award and its Impact on Emerging Artists
The Platform Graduate Award, orchestrated by the Contemporary Visual Arts Network South East (CVAN SE), is a prestigious accolade that spotlights up‑and‑coming talent within the visual arts. Receiving this award signals that a graduate has moved beyond education into the professional realm and is recognized for originality, technical excellence, and a powerful artistic voice.
In 2025, UCA’s own fine‑art graduate Eloise Gleave captured the attention of critics, curators and peers with her provocative installation, The Doctor Won’t See You Now. By navigating the delicate terrain of illness and materiality, Eloise demonstrates the capacity of contemporary art to probe personal vulnerability and social consciousness.
Key Elements of Winning Projects
CVAN SE evaluates submissions on several criteria:
- Conceptual Depth: A clear, engaging narrative that pushes the viewer to reflect.
- Technical Mastery: Innovative use of media, from traditional canvas to experimental bioplastics.
- Social Relevance: Work that resonates with contemporary issues and audience engagement.
- Professional Presentation: High‑quality production, documented in a compelling artist statement and portfolio.
Eloise’s piece satisfies each point. By employing gelatine bioplastics and kombucha SCOPBYS (symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast), she creates a tangible, organic surface that mirrors the way a body changes when unwell. The material itself becomes an allegory, allowing viewers to witness the stages of sickness—as much as the viewer’s own health translates into a shared human experience.
From Graduation to Award: What the CVAN SE Journey Looks Like
The award is split across four key exhibitions in South East England: Aspex Portsmouth, Modern Art Oxford, Phoenix Art Space Brighton and MIRROR / Arts University Plymouth. Winners receive
- A £500 bursary that provides financial breathing room during the crucial start‑up phase.
- Six months of dedicated mentoring from a network of artists, curators, and industry professionals.
- Exposure across influential venues, offering a platform for future residencies, grants and gallery representation.
For Eloise, the award journey began when her work was shortlisted at the Aspex Portsmouth exhibition. The gallery joined forces with CVAN SE to present a showcase that runs until 30 November 2025. Participants and visitors were then treated to Eloise’s striking fusion of biological science and visual narrative.
What Artists Can Learn from Eloise’s Success
1. Experiment with Material: Don’t shy from unconventional media. Biological materials – such as kombucha cultures or edible tissues – can lend authenticity and spark curiosity.
2. Ground Your Concept in Personal Experience: Eloise’s examination of sickness was informed by her own encounters. Artists who connect deeply to their subject matter tend to produce more resonant work.
3. Document Your Process: Providing critical insight into your methodology—like the stages of microbial growth—adds depth and encourages scholarly discussion.
4. Seek Mentorship: Engage with networks that value professional development. The CVAN SE mentoring program helped Eloise refine her practice and navigate the art world’s business side.
How UCA Supports Fine‑Art Students Beyond Education
University for the Creative Arts is renowned for its industry ties, state‑of‑the‑art studios and a curriculum that balances classical training with contemporary inquiry. Graduates like Eloise carry forward UCA’s ethos of innovation, collaboration and social relevance.
UCA offers numerous pathways for late‑career artists, including:
- Specialized workshops with visiting artists.
- Collaboration projects with local businesses and community groups.
- Access to the Research Centre for Creative Practice and a network of alumni mentors.
These resources complement external recognitions like CVAN SE awards, helping artists sustain momentum after graduation.
Action Plan for Aspiring Fine‑Artists Seeking Recognition
1. Build a Robust Portfolio: Include a range of media, especially if you experiment. Highlight process videos, sketches and final pieces.
2. Identify Award Opportunities: Search for regional juried exhibitions or industry awards that match your practice. CVAN SE has a list of eligible shows—review the CVAN SE awards page.
3. Connect with Mentors: Use UCA alumni networks or platforms like LinkedIn to find a mentor. A seasoned artist can offer critiques, portfolio reviews and career guidance.
4. Submit Early and Follow Guidelines: The submission window for many awards closes months in advance. Ensure you match the required format, provide essays with clear conceptual rationale, and showcase any experimental techniques.
Strategies for Effectively Communicating Your Concept
• Draft a concise artist statement that links personal narrative to broader themes.
• Use visual documentation—close‑up shots of material changes—to demonstrate experimental rigour.
• Prepare a short video (1–2 minutes) explaining the inspiration behind your piece, especially when the medium itself carries narrative weight.
Preparing for Exhibitions: Checklist for Aspiring Graduates
- Secure a high‑resolution image of each piece for publication.
- Verify venue shipping and insurance requirements.
- Plan a viewing reception to network with visitors and curators.
- Advertise on university platforms, social media (Instagram, TikTok) and art forums.
- Document key milestones—construction, installation success, audience reaction—for future fellowship applications.
By following this checklist, you’ll be ready to transform an award nomination into a sustainable career milestone.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Seeing Eloise Gleave’s journey—from her experimental material choices to securing the Platform Graduate Award—illustrates a clear roadmap for emerging artists:
- Immerse yourself in interdisciplinary research.
- Preserve the narrative behind material experimentation.
- Engage actively with institutional and industry support networks.
- Leverage exhibition success to broaden professional opportunities.
Your next move could be to begin compiling your portfolio, seeking mentors, or researching award calendars that align with your unique practice.
Submit your application to UCA today and gain access to a vibrant community that celebrates artistic innovation.
Want tips on building a compelling artist statement? Read our guide here.
Have questions about navigating post‑graduate opportunities? Contact us now.
Share your thoughts on the intersection of material science and fine art in the comments below or connect with fellow artists on our Instagram page.
