The 56 Group Wales has a tradition of offering recent graduates from Welsh universities a two-year fellowship within the group. Potential fellows from MA and BA art and design courses are identified by members, usually, but not restricted to, those working in Art Colleges around Wales. Students are then nominated and must supply the secretary with details about their work inclusive of a CV, an artist’s statement and images. The committee thereafter meets to undertake the selection process during which each nominee’s work is considered in turn and a decision is voted upon.
The 56 Group Wales believes that there are several advantages surrounding the fellowship to both the Group and the temporary fellow. For the Group, our profile is raised amongst the newly graduating generation of artists and the fellows introduce new ideas and practices generating further diversity and dynamism. Whilst the temporary fellow gains experience and networking opportunities as they work professionally within an arts organisation, they are included in the Group’s programmes of exhibitions and marketing and are able to draw upon the group’s knowledge, experience, prestige and reputation.
In 2016 the Group decided to also offer a 1-year fellowship to graduates from a single Welsh university which would change from year to year, thus expanding upon the Group’s history of offering opportunity to recent graduates.
In early summer 2016 the Committee of the 56 Group Wales had the task of selecting 2 fellows amongst a range of extremely strong and promising graduates from BA and MA courses throughout Wales. After much time debate a decision has been made.
The 1-year fellowship is awarded to Mandy Lane a graduate from the sculpture BA at Carmarthen’s Coleg Sir Gar and currently studying the Contemporary Dialogues MA at Swansea School of Art. Mandy works primarily in sculpture making works that explore relationships, fragility and power. Further examples of Mandy’s works can be seen on her website: http://mandylanesculpture.wordpress.com/
The 2-year fellowship is awarded to Mared Davies a graduate from the sculpture BA at Carmarthen’s Coleg Sir Gar. Mared’s sculptures are inspired by, and reflect, her experience of living and working on a farm in rural Carmarthenshire. Many of her works are created from tools and metals taken from the farm and concern issues at the heart of farming. Further examples of Mared’s works can be seen on her website: https://mareddaviessculpture.wordpress.com/
The 56 Group Wales welcomes our new fellows and look forward to a reciprocal relationship through which all can benefit from the exchange of ideas, passions, skills and knowledge. Mandy and Mareds’ works can be seen with the other member’s works in all upcoming exhibitions.