The Maltings (Berwick) Trust is delighted to announce the recipients of its latest Artist Studio Bursaries, supporting three talented artists from North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders to develop their creative practice at Berwick Barracks.
The bursaries provide each artist with a month of dedicated studio space, mentoring opportunities and support towards the cost of materials – giving them the time, space and resources to focus on developing new work. One of the bursaries is delivered in partnership with Berwick Open Studios, enabling an artist without permanent studio space to take part in this year’s event.
Meet the artists
Julia Sweryda will undertake her residency in September. Her practice explores ocean botanicals and their impact on wellbeing, and the bursary will enable her to create new work while taking part in Berwick Open Studios. Visitors will be able to see Julia’s studio in action during the Open Studios weekends on 26–27 September and 3–4 October.
Recently relocated to Berwick from Scotland, Sophie Morrish will use her bursary to develop a new series of large-scale works on paper and canvas, building on her evolving artistic practice.
Sinéad Kempley, an interdisciplinary artist, educator and researcher, will use the opportunity to support her transition from PhD research into a new body of small-scale work for future group exhibitions.
Investing in local creativity
Supporting artists at key moments in their careers is an important part of The Maltings’ commitment to strengthening the region’s creative community.
James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings (Berwick) Trust, said:
“Time and space in a dedicated studio can be crucial to an artist’s development and we are delighted to support these locally based artists at critical points in their artistic practice.”
The Artist Studio Bursaries are part of The Maltings’ wider work to nurture creativity, champion local artists and build a thriving cultural community as Berwick Barracks continues its transformation into a major cultural destination.
Congratulations to Julia, Sophie and Sinéad—we look forward to following their creative journeys and sharing more about their work over the coming months.