Three emerging artists from Leeds have been awarded a major career boost through a city-backed scheme designed to support the next generation of creative talent.
Sculptors Elrick Boldy, Ewan Summerton and Iona Ogilvy-Stuart have been named as the 2026 recipients of the Accelerator Bursary – a joint initiative funded by Leeds Art Fund and delivered by Leeds Art Gallery and Assembly House Leeds.
The year-long programme supports graduating artists from Leeds Beckett University, University of Leeds and Leeds Arts University at a crucial early stage in their careers. It also aims to strengthen the city’s cultural landscape by encouraging graduates to remain in Leeds and build their artistic futures locally.
Following a competitive open call last autumn, the trio were selected for their distinct approaches to sculpture.
Elrick Boldy, a graduate of Leeds Arts University, explores the limits of communication through asemic writing. His work transforms writing-like symbols into plasma-cut steel forms shaped into curves and waves, finished with rust-adjacent patina.
Ewan Summerton, from Leeds Beckett University, combines large-scale sculpture with video-based works. Using salvaged materials, surveillance footage and other media, he examines the hidden infrastructures that shape everyday life.
Iona Ogilvy-Stuart, a graduate of the University of Leeds, works with materials including bronze, wax, clay, synthetic fibres and found organic matter. Her practice reflects the urgency of social and ecological change while exploring long-term geological processes.
As part of the bursary, the artists will receive shared studio space, mentoring and professional development support, as well as an exhibition at Assembly House and a presentation opportunity at Leeds Art Gallery.
Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said the scheme highlights the “fantastic artistic talent” emerging from the city’s art schools and offers vital support as artists take their next steps.
Corinne Miller, Chair of Leeds Art Fund, said the organisation was proud not only to help acquire major artworks for the city, but also to champion emerging talent by providing funded studio space and mentoring.
Alice Boulton-Breeze, Co-Director and Creative Producer at Assembly House, said supporting early-career artists through the Accelerator Bursary was “so exciting”, with an exhibition planned for November showcasing the cohort’s work.
Now in its second year, the Accelerator Bursary runs from January to December, with artist callouts held each autumn.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said it was inspiring to see a new generation of artists emerging in Leeds, adding that the city has long been a proving ground for innovative and ground-breaking creative talent.
