Who we are and what we do

UK Young Artists is an exciting organisation working nationally and internationally to showcase young, creative practitioners between the ages of 18 – 30 whose work spans across all art forms; from visual arts to music, performance to literature. UK Young Artists pride themselves on providing networking opportunities and artistic development through intercultural dialogue and exhibitions showcasing outstanding art.

UK Young Artists is both a partnership and an event.

This national event for UK Young Artists promises to be one of the foremost cross art form events for young artists and will alternate in the cities of Derby, Nottingham and Leicester on a two year cycle. From a large national submission the event will provide an opportunity to see and experience creative practices at the leading edge of contemporary creativity. This event is up to a week in duration and will showcase exceptional young talent from around the UK in all art forms. Young artists (18-30) will also have the opportunity to collaborate, to take part in workshops, debates and symposium and spend time with other artists in a more informal setting.

The first UKYA event took place in Derby in October 2010. Of the artists represented at UKYA event, 13 were selected by a prestigious panel, including Akram Khan & Mariele Neudecker, to represent the UK in the 2011 International Biennale of Young Artists of Europe and the Mediterranean.

In 2012, UK Young Artists will be part of World Event Young Artists which will bring together 1,000 young artists from 35 countries. It will provide an opportunity to profile the creativity of young artists and the chance for international exchange on a world scale; it is as much about intercultural dialogue across political borders as it is about the creativity of young artists. Work will be shown in some of the region's most prestigious venues and Nottingham City will be transformed by the creations of young people. It will be an unforgettable experience for all who take part and its audiences.

UK Young Artists can be found on both Facebook and Twitter and also have a channel on YouTube.