Resilient Artist Cohort

Introducing the Resilient Artist Cohort

We’re proud to present the six artists selected for The Resilient Artist Cohort. A free, artist-led development programme designed to support and empower Leeds-based creatives.

Over the course of the programme, these artists will engage in mentoring, collaborative skill-sharing workshops, and gain hands-on experience in shaping and delivering a public exhibition.

Together, they form a dynamic group of resilient, curious, and committed practitioners, each bringing their own unique voice and vision to the cohort.

Stay tuned as we spotlight each artist and follow their journey through this supportive and inspiring programme.

Fierce Fine Art

Born in Devizes, Wiltshire I studied Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University, finally settling in Leeds in 1997.
A sculptor by training my drawings reflect this heritage through the isolation of the key figure(s) within the drawing frame. Fascinated by subtle clues within the human form that suggest human experience and emotion, I aim to capture the fleeting and ephemeral moments of lives without judgement or sentimentality, presenting them for consideration in images that are intricately observed, pared down and frank. My work establishes an unashamedly female perspective that speaks widely of the human condition and in particular the lives of women, mothers and girls.
I have shown work across the UK and was shortlisted for the Trinity Buoy Wharf drawing prize in 2021, The Ruth Borchard Portrait Prize 2023 and The Guilford Open in 2025. My work has been described as challenging, brave, honest and moving.

Adam French

Adam French is a traditional silver based photographic artist living and practicing in Leeds. French studied Photography at Leeds Arts University, however nearly all the processes he uses are self-taught. He specialises in historical and traditional silver based photography using a collection of photographic equipment spanning from the 1860s to the modern era. French’s work emphasises natural light portraiture, mainly in outdoor settings. Thematically his work encompasses pictorialism and ethereal timeless undertones, inspired by the work of Julia Margaret Cameron, Anne Brigman and renaissance art as a whole. The processes he currently uses for picture taking are wet plate collodion, dry glass plate, paper negative process, Greenlaw’s calotype process, X-ray films as well as standard roll film and sheet films. For printing he uses silver gelatin paper, albumen printing, salt printing, Van Dyke brown, and occasionally lith printing and cyanotype.

His extensive knowledge of historical photographic processes has also given him the opportunity to work as a consultant for multiple high budget TV productions, demonstrating and advising period correct processes and producing historically accurate prints.

Jelena Havelka

Jelena Havelka is an artist based in Leeds who primarily works with the oil and cold wax medium. Drawn to this technique for its looseness and unpredictability, she finds it transforms the act of creation into a dynamic conversation between the artist and the medium. The dominant motif in Jelena’s work is expressive emotion-informed landscapes—imaginary spaces that emerge from the fusion of memories of physical and imagined places, and moods and emotions that resonate with them. This merging of elements suggests a fluidity between us and the environments we inhabit, both internal and external, and highlights the interconnectedness between our inner worlds and the world around us. Through this approach, Jelena invites viewers to their own memories and associations to surface and reflect on their own emotional landscapes at the given moment. Alongside her art practice, Jelena holds a PhD in Psychology and explores the connection between cognition and emotion in her teaching and research at the University of Leeds.

Jamie steward

Jamie Steward is a multidisciplinary artist based in Leeds, known for his mural painting and portraiture. Initially recognized for his graffiti art, he has evolved his practice to incorporate a captivating mix of boldness and subtlety, reflecting his diverse artistic influences. His portrait work, characterized by a restrained palette, deliberate mark-making, and sophisticated sensitivity, captures both depth and presence. Recent exhibitions include the Spring Exhibition at 1st Whitecloth Hall in Leeds, the Leeds Summer Group Show at Leeds Playhouse, and various group shows over the years. With a career spanning decades, Jamie continues to refine his craft, bringing his unique perspective and unwavering passion for artistic expression to each piece.

Tianna McIntosh

Tianna McIntosh (b. 2001) is a practicing artist and recent graduate based in Leeds. Working primarily in painting of the expanded form, her practice is firmly rooted in the process of automatic drawing. Inspired by Surrealist sentiment, she veers away from figuration and tangible subject matter, beginning each piece with no premeditation, being influenced solely by instinct, affect and a compulsive fascination with the exploration of automated processes. Held central to her way of practicing is a belief in the art-making process being a playful, inherently revelatory one. Through her dense, sporadic, and idiosyncratic mark making and her play with stream-of-consciousness text she is able to retrospectively examine and identify her anxieties, concerns, fixations, and preoccupations which all bear subconscious influence over the form and nature of her line. Tianna has frequently exhibited work in and around Leeds, having shown work at East Street Arts, Serf, Distrikt Bar, and Hyde Park Book Club among other locations. In 2023 she was nominated on behalf of the University of Leeds for the national Freelands Painting Prize and awarded their head of school prize. In 2024 she completed her tenure as one of Serf studios’ graduate artists in residence.

Christina Catherine

Christina Catherine is a contemporary oil painter specialising in traditional still life compositions that celebrate beauty in simplicity. Her practice is grounded in technical precision while maintaining a strong emotional resonance. Working exclusively with a limited palette, Christina creates pieces that highlight the interplay of light, form, and texture. This restrained approach lends her paintings a traditional quality, inviting viewers to slow down and reflect on the elegance of everyday objects.

The Resilient Artist Cohort is a free, artist-led development programme supporting six Leeds-based artists through mentoring, skill-sharing workshops, and hands-on exhibition experience.

If this programme doesn’t feel right for you, you won’t be missing out. Over the course of the programme, we will run subsidised public workshops, training, and mentoring to help you build skills and prepare for future opportunities.

This is more than just a training programme—it’s a space for collaboration, experimentation, and growth. Artists will work with galleries, co-produce exhibitions, and explore new ways of working to strengthen the Leeds creative community.

What You'll Gain

Who Should Apply?

Have at least five exhibition-ready artworks (this is about showcasing existing work, not creating new pieces).
Work in a wall-based format or small plinths (large pieces may not fit the space).
Live in Leeds (must have a Leeds postcode).
Have been out of formal education for at least two years—self-taught artists welcome.

Are keen to learn, share, and collaborate in a supportive environment.
Can commit to all sessions, online planning meetings, and monthly check-ins.
Are interested in alternative learning models, self-led education, and holistic approaches to creativity.
Want to help shape the future of the Leeds art scene through collaboration and change.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented artists in the visual arts, including artists from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, disabled artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists who have faced socio-economic barriers.

This is a unique opportunity to gain expert knowledge, mentorship, and real-world exhibition experience—all for free.

We have scheduled key workshops on Saturdays to improve accessibility. Please note: All workshops will take place at The Mill Gallery, located on the first floor, which does not have step-free access.

Bios, Marketing, Press & Workshop Development will be planned with cohort and will be a mixture of 1-2-1 support and tailored skill development. All cohort members will also be able to use our gallery space as coworking spaces to work independently or with the other cohorts members.

Timeline & Key Dates

Workshops & Professional Development

Alongside the core programme for the Resilient Artist Cohort, we’re offering a series of professional development workshops open to both cohort members and the wider creative community.

Led by practicing artists and arts professionals, these workshops will explore topics like funding, curation, marketing, and sustaining a creative career. While tailored to support the cohort’s growth, many sessions will be open to the public at subsidised rates, creating space for more artists to develop skills and connect with peers.

Whether you’re part of the cohort or attending a single session, you’ll be joining a collaborative, supportive learning environment designed to strengthen the Leeds creative scene.

Book Your Spot Today Here

1:1 mentoring Sessions Available

Curious about mentoring but not sure where to start? This 60-minute taster session offers a one-off opportunity to connect with a mentor in a focused, supportive setting. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and explore what’s next for you and your creative practice.

Mentoring looks different for everyone—this session is led by your needs, questions, and interests. You might want to talk through a current project, unpack a challenge, look ahead to future goals, or simply get some fresh perspective on where you’re at right now. This is your hour to use however feels most useful.

The session offers a balance of conversation, encouragement, and practical guidance. It’s not about having everything figured out—it’s about creating space to think things through with someone who understands the creative landscape and can offer clarity, insight, and honest feedback.

You don’t need to bring anything formal, but it can be helpful to come with a few thoughts on what you’d like to get out of the hour. Whether you’re an emerging artist finding your feet, someone in a period of transition, or a more established practitioner looking to refocus, this session is open to all.

By the end of the session, you’ll hopefully leave with a clearer sense of direction, a few actionable steps, and a better idea of whether longer-term mentoring might be right for you.

Our mentoring and 1:1 sessions are heavily subsidised by funding from Leeds Council, with regular costs typically ranging from £50 to £75 per session. This taster session is offered at a fixed, affordable rate of £15, making it more accessible for all creative practitioners.

Sessions will take place online.

Missed the Deadline?

Applications are now closed, but you can still take part.

Throughout the programme, we will offer subsidised public workshops, training, and mentoring to help you build skills and prepare for future opportunities. Sign up to be the first to hear about upcoming workshops.

FAQ's

What is the Resilient Artist Cohort?

It’s a free, artist-led development programme for six Leeds-based visual artists. It offers mentorship, training, and hands-on experience curating and exhibiting artwork.

Who can apply?

We’re looking for artists over the age of 18 who:

Are based in Leeds (you must have a Leeds postcode).
Have at least five exhibition-ready artworks.
Work in wall-based formats or small plinth-based pieces.
Have been out of formal education for at least two years (self-taught artists welcome!).
Are open to collaboration, learning, and sharing.
Can commit to all sessions, check-ins, and planning meetings.
Are interested in alternative, holistic, and self-led learning models.

We strongly encourage applications from artists who identify as part of underrepresented communities in the visual arts, including:

Artists from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds
Disabled artists
LGBTQ+ artists
Artists who’ve experienced socio-economic barriers

What if I’m not selected or decide this isn’t the right fit for me right now?

That’s absolutely fine! We’ll be running a range of affordable public workshops, training sessions, and mentoring opportunities throughout the programme—open to all artists. There will be plenty of ways to build your skills and stay connected with the creative community.

What are the key dates?

Applications open: 1st May – 15th May 2025
Programme sessions (all Saturdays):
- 7th June: Orientation & Goal Setting
- 21st June: Practice Sharing & Skill Development
- 5th July: Artwork Selection & Curation Planning
Exhibitions:
- 15th August – 5th September 2025
- 12th September – 3rd October 2025
Mentorship, group chats, and other planning will happen flexibly with the cohort.
Location: All sessions are at The Mill Gallery (first floor, no step-free access).

What kind of work can I exhibit?

Artworks must be:
- Exhibition-ready
- Wall-based or suitable for small plinths
- Please note: Large or heavy works might not fit the space.

How do I apply?

The application form will go live on 1st May 2025. Please complete the application before the deadline on 15th May

I have other commitments—can I still apply?

If you can commit to the core sessions, check-ins, and planning meetings, you’re welcome to apply. We understand artists juggle many things, so flexibility and communication are key.
However, if you can’t commit to the key dates, this may not be the right time for you to join the cohort. That said, you can still book onto our public workshops and mentoring sessions happening throughout the programme—there will still be plenty of opportunities to learn and get involved.

This work wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of our funders and supporters: