The Circle Line Award was a unique opportunity for a visual art graduate of University of the Arts London to get a free studio at ACAVA or Cockpit Arts for one year, as well as gain valuable experience of working in educational contexts.

Circle Line was a partnership between Artquest, University of the Arts London (UAL) Widening Participation & Progression programme and four established London visual arts organisations: ACAVA studios, Cockpit Arts, London Print Studio and London Printworks Trust.

The award ran from September 2008 to November 2009, and was a unique opportunity for a recent art graduate of UAL to receive a studio and support grant for one year.  The purpose of the award was to allow a young artist to develop their practice and professional development in a ‘real-world' context by receiving training, mentoring and an exhibition opportunity.

Camberwell College graduate Ursula Kelly was selected for the award, and was supported throughout the project by Circle Line partners London Print Studio and ACAVA, who offered training, support and mentoring.  The work produced by both the artist and attendees on education workshops she led during the award period culminated in an exhibition and publication.

The exhibition, also titled intersecting, connecting, manifesting, was held at London Print Studio in November 2009.

As well as offering a fine art graduate a unique early career opportunity, Circle Line was also intended to increase young people's interest in making, enjoying and appreciating art, and to encourage young people to consider fine art as an accessible and viable career option.  A number of education workshops were produced over the course of the award period in partnership with London Print Studio and ACAVA.

• project
• new graduates
• residencies
• printmaking
• studios
• gallery education
• socially engaged practice