SPACE

Valerie Beston Artists' Trust

In June 2007, the VBAT awarded its first Valerie Beston Young Artists' Prize to Laura Oldfield Ford, a post-graduating student from the Royal College of Art. Laura's work particularly impressed the Trusts' two judges, Pilar Ordovas, head of Post War & Contemporary Art at Christie's London and Catherine Lampert, Curator. The prize is made up of four main elements which are a SPACE studio for one year, a cash prize of £2,000 towards materials, an exhibition at the end of the year and support from a RCA tutor. Laura successfully completed her year and exhibited in Slump City at SPACE. She handed over her old studio to the new VBAT artist for award period 2008-9, Lydia Cecile Gifford, also from the RCA. After completing her year Lydia moved into another SPACE studio at the Triangle. We wish Lydia well whilst doing all we can to continue to support her and we warmly welcome VBAT artist for award period 09-10 Caroline Walker as she takes up residence in her new studio. Along with the Valerie Beston Artists' Trust, SPACE looks forward to supporting her throughout the coming year.