Year on year, Nottingham Trent University exhibit a thought-provoking and surprising range of photography at Freerange, produced to the highest quality by their graduating year. To nurture the talent of the next generation of creative practitioners, we are proud to support NTU with three bursaries each year; two of £500 to aid in the production of two students work, and one of £1000 to aid in the development and exhibition of one students work one year after graduation – the latter of which is chosen in June at Freerange Art and Design Festival.
Mark Foxwell, Genesis Imaging’s Creative Director – who chose Britney Bailey for this year’s award – commended her touching series that explores how hair within the black community expresses ancestry, heritage, and personality, focusing on the ideologies of black beauty and its perceptions.
The first two annual bursary awards are chosen by Mark Foxwell, Genesis’ Creative Director, and Louise Clements, Co-Founder of Format International Photography Festival and Artistic Director at Derby Quad. Students are invited to submit work for initial review before being called back for small seminar-style sessions to gain more insight into the work and to aid in the progression of their projects with opinions and advice from Mark, Louise, and their peers. The third is decided from finished work, exhibited during the student degree festival. Choosing just just three recipients for our bursary awards is always a tough choice, and this year was no exception, with an exceptionally high standard of work.
Britney Bailey on her work:
It was interesting transition from growing up in a predominantly black country to the multicultural pool that is the UK. Although not difficult, there were some things I had to become accustomed to. Hair is described as our crown and glory and within the black community; hair takes on a very important role. It is used as an expression of ancestry, heritage, and personality. This project centres on the ideologies of black beauty and its perceptions. Portraying the effects that Eurocentric beauty standards have on black women and girls. Specifically focusing on hair and body features.
We very much look forward to seeing how Britney chooses to develop her practice over the forthcoming year and to her exhibition, in one year’s time, at Lakeside Arts Centre.
Britney Bailey was exhibited as part of Emerge Photo Festival in Nottingham and at Freerange Art and Design Festival.
Read more about how we support students
Read our Interview with Tom Illsley – recipient of 2015’s exhibition bursary award.
Read our Interview with Jonathan Stallard – recipient of 2014’s exhibition bursary award.