Sarah TurnnidgeWest of England
The WilsonNine artists in the early stages of their career have been selected for gallery residencies to help them develop.
The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum in Cheltenham announced on Tuesday that the group of artists from across Gloucestershire would take part in the year-long We Are Creators programme.
As well as the time and space to hone their work, the creatives will also be able to access regular mentoring, talks and workshops to help them develop their careers.
Oliver Tipper, creative communities producer at The Wilson, said: “The calibre of artists joining us this year is exceptional.”
“The introduction of structured mentoring for every artist strengthens the programme further, and we look forward to seeing the impact this supportive environment has on their practice and on the wider cultural community,” he added.
The WilsonFunded by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England, the programme has supported 24 residencies and delivered five different exhibitions since it was launched.
The 2026 cohort are: Albert Chung, a contemporary ink painter; Jennifer Susan Hughes, a multimedia installation artist; Alice Biggadike, a surrealist painter and costume designer; Katy Mary, an interdisciplinary artist; Eddie Langham, a performance artist; Atul Bhunkal, a painter and performer; Sarah Fox, an experimental animator; Richard Woods, a figurative painter and woodcarver; and portrait photographer Steven Tatlow.
The WilsonEvery resident artist on the scheme will get studio space, as well as peer support, individual mentoring and chances to show off their work in person at the gallery.
Bristol-based artist and doctoral researcher Bo Lanyon, who will lead the mentoring programme, said: “I know how challenging it can be to sustain an artistic practice alongside everyday commitments.
“My aim is to support these artists in building the resilience, confidence and networks needed to develop their work and establish their own voice.”