UCR Student Wins Children’s Capital of Culture Young Artist Competition
University Centre Rotherham (UCR) is celebrating a major success as third year Fine and Applied Art student, Natalie Jones, has been named the 2025 Children’s Capital of Culture Young Artist in Residence.
Natalie’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only in her academic journey, but also in her budding professional career as an artist. The prestigious title comes with a £2,000 cash prize, a £500 materials budget, and the incredible opportunity to create and publicly exhibit a new body of work at Clifton Park Museum in the Test Space gallery.
Now in its inaugural year, Children’s Capital of Culture 2025 is a groundbreaking initiative that puts children and young people at the heart of Rotherham’s cultural life. The Young Artist in Residence competition invited 16–25-year-olds from across the borough to submit artworks responding to the theme of ‘identity’.
Natalie impressed the judging panel with her compelling artistic vision and her ability to explore personal and social narratives through visual art.
When asked about her win, Natalie said:
“I was thrilled! I submitted those pieces with no intention of winning at all. The pieces I submitted were not even pieces I was particularly proud of, but it just goes to show that even though I didn’t like them, the panel did. Funnily enough, the last project I did for my degree was in fact titled Identity, so I pulled some pieces from my collection and submitted them. It looked like a great opportunity and a great way to carry on printmaking after my degree ends.”
As part of her residency, she will work closely with professional artist mentor, Olivia Bliss, to develop a brand-new mini exhibition. The exhibition will run from May to September 2025 and will feature original pieces inspired by ‘identity’.
Reflecting on the achievement, Natalie said:
“The experience so far has been phenomenal, Olivia has introduced me to new printmaking techniques and constantly motivates me to get the best work out of myself. I’m also planning to start my PGCE course at UCR in September and with Olivia having experience with students, it’s been really helpful.”
UCR Fine and Applied Art course leaders praised Natalie’s success as a testament to her dedication, creativity, and the strength of the degree programme, which equips students with the skills and confidence to thrive in the professional art world.
Natalie’s upcoming exhibition promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking experience for visitors of all ages, offering fresh perspectives on identity and culture through the eyes of a rising young talent.