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I have just returned from the Manchester Antique Textile Fair where I was a finalist of the Textile Society Undergraduate Award. I had a stand to display and exhibit my portfolio of work alongside two other finalists, who were both from Glasgow School of Art.
I spent the day talking to the society members and general public. The four judges arrived late morning and had difficulty speaking to me due to the number of visitors I had at my stall.
I was announced as the undergraduate bursary winner. The prize is £1000 which I plan to put towards my studies. The main benefit of this award is having the backing and profile which I will be given from the textile society. My degree show statement will include acknowledgement of our association.
The society has a magazine, called Text, where I am expected to write an article to go alongside images of my work. I also have the opportunity to give a presentation to the society.
Straight after the announcement I found myself on stage with last years undergraduates and post graduates winners. I had to give an impromptu resume of my work. In a years’ time I will be invited back to this session for a question and answer debate, talking about how I spent the award and my future aspirations.
Past winners were asked how else the society could help promote them. From this conversation plans were put forward to host group exhibitions for the winners.
