Master Class 2015

Testing Ground: Master Class offers a unique and free opportunity for a small group of emerging artists to work closely with leading international artists to discuss and develop their studio practice. Over the course of a week, eight young artists nominated by a nationwide group of artist-run spaces will participate in an intensive series of tutorials, workshops, reading groups, studio and gallery visits and seminars led by artist Doug Fishbone and guest artists including Turner Prize winner Elizabeth Price, Turner Prize nominees Marvin Gaye Chetwynd and Mark Titchner, and Matthew Darbyshire as well as Zabludowicz Collection curators. In addition, each of the established artists will present an evening lecture giving participants and public a greater insight into their practice. This year's Master Class will focus on a critical consideration around ideas of artefact, in particular the ways in which contemporary artists transform existing cultural material.

The emerging artists participating in this year’s initiative are ATOI (Amy Thomas & Oliver Irvine), Simeon Barclay, Rosa Farber, Robert Foster, Luke McCreadie, Lindsey Mendick, Laura Phillips and Tom Watt. They were nominated by artist-run spaces Beacon (Lincoln), Catalyst Arts (Belfast), Eastside Projects (Birmingham), KARST (Plymouth), Mexico (Leeds), Spike Island (Bristol), The NewBridge Project (Newcastle) and 38B (London).

EVENING ARTIST’S LECTURES

7 PM, FREE

Wednesday 28 January: Mark Titchner

Friday 30 January: Elizabeth Price

Saturday 31 January: Marvin Gaye Chetwynd

Monday 2 February: Matthew Darbyshire

Participant testimonials

It’s brilliant and it’s well conceived. It’s the best thing I have been a part of for a long time.
Lindsey Mendick

Come away feeling frazzled, but excited for the future.
Robert Foster