Local art graduates show at Turner Contemporary in new Platform exhibition

12 October 2012 Press release Local art graduates show at Turner Contemporary in new exhibition Platform Graduate Showcase 2012 10 October – 18 November 2012 This autumn, for the first time, Turner Contemporary is showcasing the talent of emerging artists from East Kent in the Ground Floor and Clore Learning Studio spaces, as part of the new Platform programme which aims to support graduate professional development and nurture new talent. Platform launched on Wednesday 10 October with the work of 6 artists who graduated this summer from the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury:  Jack Coulson, Karen Crosby, Naomi Eaton-Baudains, Alexandra Hanschell, Dominic Maffia, Sabina Tupan. The Platform programme is a coalition of visual arts organisations in the South East: Turner Contemporary, Margate; Aspex, Portsmouth; MK Gallery, Milton Keynes and Modern Art Oxford, and has been initiated by Contemporary Visual Art Network South East. Each organisation has selected graduates from within their immediate geographical reach for exhibition this autumn. A shortlist of 2 artists from each of the four regional exhibitions will be put forward for the Platform Graduate Award, which includes a cash prize and a year of customised professional development. The selection panel will meet on Thursday 8 November at Whitechapel Art Gallery, London to choose the winner.   The winner will be announced at a special event on Thursday 22 November at Modern Art Oxford.  Read more > Quotes ‘We are thrilled to be showing the work of recent graduates. Platform is part of our wider remit to showcase creativity of artists working today.’ Victoria Pomery, Director ‘Platform is an exciting new initiative that provides a space for new emerging artists to show alongside international artists at Turner Contemporary. We hope to build a community of artists who see the benefit of remaining in Kent to develop their practice to create a bourgeoning creative network.’ Sepake Angiama, Curator of Public Programmes I have learnt so much in the weeks leading up to the show, there’s no doubt that the whole process has enriched my artistic practice and career. My installation, Connection With The Earth, has been allowed to flourish in this amazing space and has developed to really live within the Turner environment. I feel privileged to have worked with an amazing team of professionals that I felt truly knew and understood my vision. Naomi Eaton-Baudains, Platform artist Partners Funders