MMU Graduate Awards

MAFA have always had close links with Manchester School of Art, part of Manchester Metropolitan University. We’re keen to support and encourage new artists and have traditionally awarded prizes to graduating students.

This year has been no different, MAFA selected from 4 categories: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking and Sculpture. Each winner receives £200 and has been invited to exhibit work in one of MAFA’s forthcoming exhibitions. Usually selection is made by a small group of MAFA artists, who view artwork in the graduate exhibition. However, 2020’s end of year exhibition has moved online. This has meant that all our artists have had the opportunity to vote for the students that they feel deserve the awards.

Final year students have faced a huge challenge this year.

‘They have worked through the strangest of years, one which saw their studies and their time in the art school studios and workshops abruptly interrupted. Established plans had to change and the certainties which every post war generation have enjoyed suddenly evaporated. The art school closed its doors and students left hurriedly taking as much as they could to set up makeshift studios wherever possible. Laptops, kitchen tables, garages, bedrooms, sheds, and gardens were amongst the spaces utilised as their new ateliers. Face to face contact ended and tutorials were carried out on the internet or by telephone.‘

The quality of the work delivered by this year’s students is inspiring. You can take a look at their work by visiting the MMU Fine Art online exhibition.

Congratulations to 2020 winners!