A trio of up-and-coming Leeds artists have been given a huge boost thanks an innovative scheme aimed at shaping the city’s emerging talent.
Sculptors Elrick Boldy, Ewan Summerton and Iona Ogilvy-Stuart were this week announced as recipients of the 2026 Accelerator Bursary, a joint initiative funded by Leeds Art Fund and delivered by Leeds Art Gallery and Assembly House Leeds.
The project is designed to give graduating artists from Leeds Beckett University, The University of Leeds and Leeds Arts University support at a crucial stage of their budding careers, while also nurturing the arts scene in the city, and encouraging graduates to choose Leeds as a long-term place to stay and build their artistic careers.
Following a competitive open call out last autumn, Elrick, Ewan and Iona were selected. All three work broadly in the medium of sculpture, although with very different materials and approaches.
The work of Elrick Boldy (Leeds Arts University) explores the limits of communication through asemic writing – drawings symbolic of writing are rendered using plasma-cut steel, which is formed into curves and waves, then treated with rust-adjacent patina.
Through a combination of large-scale sculptures and video-based works Ewan Summerton (Leeds Beckett) uses unwanted materials salvaged from skips, surveillance footage, and other varied media, to explore hidden infrastructures that govern our daily lives.
Iona Ogilvy-Stuart (University of Leeds) uses varied materials including bronze, waxes, clay, synthetic fibres and found organic matter to reflect the urgency of social and ecological change while exploring the enduring presence of geological processes.
As part of the year-long bursary programme, chosen artists will be given access to a shared studio space and an exhibition opportunity at Assembly House, as well as a presentation of work at Leeds Art Gallery, and career development support and mentoring throughout the year from staff and experts in the field.
Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery said:
The Accelerator Bursary highlights the fantastic artistic talent that is emerging from the art schools in our city. We’re thrilled to play a role in nurturing these artists as they take the next steps in their careers and to bring their fresh perspectives to our audiences at the gallery.
Corinne Miller, Chair of Leeds Art Fund, said:
Leeds Art Fund is perhaps best known for helping the city acquire major works of art so that everyone can enjoy world‑class artworks.
We’re equally proud to champion emerging talent here in Leeds, giving students a genuine head start in their careers with funded studio space and the guidance of leading artists as mentors. We have been delighted with the success of the Accelerator Bursary in its first year and wish this year’s cohort every success – we shall take a keen interest in their progress.
Alice Boulton-Breeze, Co-Director and Creative Producer at Assembly House added: “As one of Leeds’s biggest supporters of early career artists, we love being able to work with artists through the Accelerator Bursary. Seeing what they will develop over 12 months is so exciting, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to their exhibition in November.”
The Accelerator Bursary, now in its second year, is a popular programme that has given several artists a stepping stone to artistic careers. The programme runs from January to December, with artist callouts taking place in autumn.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
It’s always inspiring to see a new generation of artistic talent emerging in Leeds and for the gallery and our partners to be playing a part in nurturing their potential.
Leeds has long been a proving ground for innovative and ground-breaking artists and, with the support of the gallery, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for these exciting talents.
Stay up-to-date with the 2026 cohorts by visiting Leeds Art Gallery and Assembly House’s Instagram @leedsartgallery and @assembly_leeds and websites artgallery.leeds.gov.uk and assemblyhouse.art
Leeds Art Fund has since 1912 championed the arts in Leeds – see what else we do at www.leedsartfund.org
