Overview

The New Vanguard is a talent development programme presented by Art Meets Culture, powered by Wingstop, created to spotlight and support the next wave of visual artists in the UK.
This year’s selected artists will showcase new commissioned work at a bold new group exhibition, Art Meets Culture & Friends, taking place during Frieze Week 2025.

Who Can Apply

• UK-based visual artists aged 18–25

• All levels welcome — self-taught or formally trained

• Individual applicants only (no teams, collectives or companies)

Eligible Disciplines

We welcome work across:

• Illustration

• Painting

• Digital Art

• Photography

• Mixed Media

• Animation

• Textile / Print

• 3D / Installation

If your work is visual, bold, and rooted in culture, we want to hear from you.

Why Apply

• £800 paid commission to produce new work

• Group exhibition during Frieze Week 2025

• 1:1 and group mentorship

• Artist features and storytelling support

• Access to physical and virtual workshops

• Be part of a growing network of emerging creatives

Programme Workshops

• Defining Your Practice & Voice

• Creative Concept Development

• Art, Brands & Collaboration

• You – Social & Storytelling

• The Business of Art

• Preparing for Showcase

What You’ll Need to Submit

Submit your application via our official form. You’ll need to provide:

• Personal details: Full name, email, age, location

• Short bio: Who you are and what your practice is about (max 200 words)

• Portfolio: 3–5 images or links to recent work (Google Drive, Instagram, website, etc.)

• Written Statement: In 200 words, tell us why you want to join The New Vanguard and what this opportunity means to you

• Video Submission (2–5 mins):

  • Talk us through your work, your story, and why you should be part of the programme

  • Questions to consider:

    • What drives your creative practice?

    • What do you hope to gain from this experience?

  • Important: Upload your video to Google Drive and make sure the link is set to “Anyone with the link can view.”

Theme Connection (Optional):
Share how your work connects to our 2025 theme:
“Building space where there was none.”
This includes ideas around self-determination, ambition, hustle culture, identity, rewriting your place in the world, and creative resistance.

Things to Note

• This is a funded opportunity to create new work

• Your £800 grant must go toward materials, development, and final execution

• Funds cannot be used for: rent, bills, medical/legal fees, education, or debt

  
  

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 16th July 2025

• Applications Close: 15th August 2025 (midnight)

• Programme Runs: August 25th – September 29th, 2025

• Final Showcase: 16–19 October 2025 (Frieze Week)