MADE IT is a selected showcase of new graduate talent from the North West. Art graduates from the class of 2018/19 are invited to submit work for consideration by 2019 selectors Bren O'Callaghan (Curator, HOME Manchester) & Precious Innes (Artist & Curator, Show.me.up). Shortlisted artists will be exhibited in a curated group exhibition at Paradise Works, Salford in August 2019. The show also offers one of the artists a Curators Choice prize of £100, which will be announced on the opening night.

As it reaches the end of the academic year for art subject graduates, there is an air of excitement and anticipation for the start of a new chapter in their lives, but also an air of immense fear. Often, artists have no specific pathway into their profession, they have to seek out and create their own opportunities, and make a name for themselves with extremely hard work and persistence. Being a maker, designer or otherwise is not an easy career to maintain, especially on completion of education. You walk out into the world on square one, and it can be terrifying for many being truly on your own for the first time.

It’s been proven that the first year after graduation, is the most pivotal. That year in particular appears to be the difference between a career in the creative industries or bust. Graduates are under a great deal of pressure to maintain a career that makes little money, is highly competitive and is under immense scrutiny from every direction. It is said that the creative industries are the fastest growing in the UK, but with few outward opportunities for graduates and in most cases no system of support on completion of their degree, it’s no wonder so many great students buckle under the strain. Being a successful artist requires the right attitude from the individual, a desire to seek out prospects and pursue through failure, but if there are few opportunities available, there are less chances to succeed. At this point, where exactly are graduates to turn to?

To confront this issue, MADE IT is giving recent graduates an opportunity right from the word go. The exhibition is looking to celebrate graduate achievement, and to show what incredible talent awaits success in the North. 

Applicants are invited to submit up to three recent works of any media, which they feel define them and their current practice. The works may be a degree show piece or otherwise, but must wholly reflect the artist at this point in their career as a graduate. Please note there is a compulsory £5 entry fee, which helps provide a £100 cash prize for one of the selected artists.