New Graduate Opportunity: The Platform Graduate Award, a new regional project that Modern Art Oxford is introducing summer 2012

The project involves four visual arts organisations in the South East (Milton Keynes Gallery, Aspex, MAO and Turner Contemporary) working with Higher Education Institutions in their geographical area to showcase the work of six to eight graduates selected from this summer's BA Fine Art degree shows. A further shortlist will be put forward from each organisation's presentation for the Platform Award. The successful artist will receive a bursary of £2,500, mentoring and access to Directors and curatorial teams, and the possibility of a one-month residency at MAO.  The initiative also has the support of Turning Point South East.

The objective of the project is to develop a closer working relationship between galleries in the South East and their local Higher Education institutions, to enhance opportunities for professional development, training and graduate retention in the region, and to showcase and highlight the work of emerging artists in the region. This year will be a pilot to launch the initiative and with the aim of developing it further.

Sarah Mossop, head of learning & partnerships  and two curators from MAO visited the BA Fine Art degree show and met with staff teaching on the course in order to make their selection.  An initial shortlist of 3 was decided upon and then a final winner – Lucy Garnett.  Sarah was very impressed with Lucy’s work and commented:  'I'm very pleased to announce that we have selected Lucy Garnett from the BA Fine Art course at OCVC, Banbury for the Platform Graduate exhibition at Modern Art Oxford. We were impressed with the clarity in which her ideas were presented through her installation, and especially liked her animated film with its subtle soundtrack.'