I am delighted to be one of eight artists selected for the CAS Emerging Sculptors Development Award (ESDA) 2024, a programme that supports early-career sculptors working in outdoor and site-responsive contexts. As part of this award, I will present new work in the outdoor sculpture exhibition eight sculptural interventions at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey. The exhibition runs from Saturday 24 February to Sunday 14 April 2024, and the gardens open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. I invite visitors to join us for the Meet the Artists event on Sunday 25 February 2024, from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens jointly organise this exhibition. Together, they showcase new sculptural interventions created by eight emerging artists who stood out from more than fifty applicants: Sandra Camargo, Beatrice Galletley, Harry Chadwick, Srabani Ghosh, Alice Sheppard Fidler, Olana Light, Tony Spencer, and Nicola Turner. Our ESDA mentor, Rebecca Newnham, Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors, also contributes work to the exhibition.

CAS developed the Emerging Sculptors Development Award to strengthen support for early-career sculptors across the South, Southeast, and Southwest of England, as well as London. During the programme, we completed an intensive four-day residency, worked closely with experienced art and business professionals, expanded our professional networks, and gained practical tools to build sustainable creative practices. The award offers a significant opportunity for artists developing sculpture for outdoor public spaces, heritage sites, and gardens.

Visitors can purchase any of the sculptures on display.
Friends of the Garden funded the project, and the Roche Court Educational Trust and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens also contributed generous support.