At Cass Art, we believe in the power of creativity to transform communities. In collaboration with the Artists Futures Fund (AFF), and inspired by our shared mission to fill this town with artists, we are excited to present a curated series of short films that spotlight the next generation of artists making their mark across the UK.
Through these films, viewers are introduced to the AFF Artist Fellows and the creative practices that define their work—capturing moments of discovery, experimentation, and growth, while offering insight into the realities of building a career in today’s arts landscape.
We are pleased to share these stories and highlight the vital role of organisations like the Artists Futures Fund in strengthening the UK’s creative ecosystem.
Artists Futures Fund have a long-standing 200-year history of providing impactful support to artists and their families. Today, they continue that tradition by enabling emerging visual artists to overcome significant barriers and sustain viable careers in the arts. Since launching their Fellowship programme in 2020 they have:
- Supported over 50 emerging visual artists.
- Provided £500,000+ in financial aid through bursaries.
- Established impactful long-term partnerships with eight Higher Education Institutions.
- Through their bursaries, mentorship, and development opportunities, they empower disadvantaged artists to build careers that are sustainable in the long term.
- 90% of their alumni identify as practicing artists and 85% of alumni are working in the creative and education industries, passing on their skills to future artists and designers.
- The range and scope of outcomes achieved by their supported artists and alumni shows the impact achieved through the Fellowship not only as individuals, but also for the public through participation in community projects and exhibitions.
Artists Futures Fund supports talented individuals to overcome significant barriers that would prevent them from pursuing careers as artists.
Their support encompasses place-based Artist Fellowships, bursaries, mentoring, exhibitions, networking and professional development opportunities. They especially support individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, D/deaf or disabled people, and those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Their core mission is to open doors to diverse and exciting futures in the arts.
2025–26 Breakthrough Artist Fellow Anna-Marie Gallares
Check more of the amazing work AFF do on their website www.artistsfuturesfund.org and be sure to follow the on their Instagram channel @artistsfuturesfund
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