Thanks to donations from our generous graduates, this academic year the UAL Alumni Association is thrilled to have been able to grant hardship funding to 58 final year students. With many third year students already struggling with debt and in need of costly materials for their degree show, these awards provide support when it is needed most. They give students the opportunity to stop their part time job, spend more time in the studios, buy materials required to realise their creative ambitions and limit their financial anxieties.
CSM Degree Show 1, 2014 (Copyright: John Sturrock)
We asked some of the recipients of this funding what it meant to them.
Work by Mary Lister
“I am not the most well off person and neither are my parents and I hate having to scrimp on an idea or even change it altogether through one simple factor, that I cannot afford to make it. The Award given by alumni gives you that extra boost and opportunity to go for that idea that might cost you a little extra. Thank you to those Alumni who support me. It means so much.” Mary Lister, BA Fine Art
Troy Bohn
“I had been struggling tremendously with funding my art and was anxious about how I was going to afford to create something appropriate for my fast approaching degree show. With the Award given by alumni I was able to relax and stop my worrying and just develop the art I so desire to create. The art I am making has grown and is still growing in its potential. I thank the alumni for this opportunity.” Troy Bohn, BA Drawing
Darren Cudjoe-Cole
“As a father of 2 and a husband studying full time has been difficult financially, and any help in between student loan is welcome. I’d like to thank those involved in making this possible and hope it continues for future students. Thank you.” Darren Cudjoe-Cole, BA Sound Art & Design
Nell Allen
“I would like to thank the alumni for the money they have given me. I had been struggling to decide how to move forward with my degree show piece but now I have been able to buy the materials needed to produce the work that I had been planning (dreaming of) without cutting corners. I hope with the money given I can do the best work and go into the world with the best chance.” Nell Allen, BA Painting
Our students are the future of the creative industries. In the current economic climate, the number of students needing support is growing and many alumni share our concern that the cost of pursuing a creative education might dissuade some of the most talented young people from taking up their places or lasting throughout the duration of the course. We believe that the success of UAL depends on the diversity of the student body and any support to help us generate funds to support students from low-income families is enormously appreciated.
For more information on how you can take part and support our creative future, please contact Caroline Archer, Acting Head of Alumni Relations (c.archer@arts.ac.uk), or visit our dedicated webpage http://www.arts.ac.uk/about-ual/support-our-creative-future/
If you are a current or prospective student wanting to learn more about funding opportunities across our Colleges and courses, please visit the Scholarships, Bursaries and Loans page.