UNBOUND is an exciting exhibition showcasing the work of six emerging artists taking part in the Granton Station Graduate Accelerator project, an initiative by Wasps Studios, launched in October 2023. Over the past 12 months, these talented creative graduates have been immersed in a unique creative journey, supported by professional creative practitioners who have shared invaluable skills, knowledge, and insights that go beyond traditional educational environments.

Participating artists are: Kalin Lin (mentored by Lindsey Gardiner), Heather Roberts (mentored by Andy Kennedy), Shankar Saanthakumar (mentored by Pushpi Bagchi), Neslihan Tepehan (mentored by Alex Allan), Tara McCullough (mentored by Clementine Carriere) and Molly Kent (mentored by Fiona Hutchinson).

This exhibition presents a broad range of creative work, reflecting the diverse specialisms of each artist and the various stages of progress their projects have undergone. From visual arts to commercial creative skill sets, UNBOUND is a celebration of talent, growth and challenges of the creative industry while highlighting the professional development gained throughout the program. These artists, guided by their peers and mentors, have explored a wide spectrum of topics, putting into practice the lessons learned. UNBOUND serves as both a reflection on their individual journeys and a collective celebration of their shared experiences, marking the culmination of a year of learning, collaboration, and artistic evolution.

This pilot project, aimed at supporting emerging and practicing artists in professional development, has been supported by local creative partners and institutions as part of the Granton Waterfront regeneration project; Edinburgh College, North Edinburgh Arts, National Galleries or Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Council, delivered by Wasps Studios, Granton Station.

UNBOUND is a declaration: that creativity is not confined by traditional structures or the limits of formal education. Matched with, mentored, and inspired by professional creative practitioners who have imparted skills, stories, knowledge, and conversations rarely explored in educational settings. Together and individually, these Artists have navigated uncharted territory, where practical experience, critical insight, and creative experimentation merge.

Work is in flux, in progress—yet it is no less valid, no less powerful, rejecting the idea that creativity must be polished or complete to have value. The diversity of their practices, spanning visual arts and commercial skill sets, is their strength. Embracing the spectrum of creative specialisms, they represent, and the unpredictable paths they tread.

UNBOUND is a celebration of risk, reflection, and resilience. It marks the culmination of a year of growth—both as an individual and collective. Acknowledging the challenges of our industry and the reality of navigating it as emerging artists. The artists affirm the ability to shape it, to contribute to it with boldness and authenticity.

This is our manifesto: we are UNBOUND by the limitations of tradition. We are driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to forge our own paths. The work we present is a testament to our adaptability and commitment to learning through practice. We are not defined by finished pieces, but by the process of becoming.

We are UNBOUND, and this is just the beginning.

Exhibition

Event Details

Date: October 11 - November 11
Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Address:
Granton Station
1 Granton Station Square
Edinburgh
EH5 1FU

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