News / 02 Mar 2026
Fine Art graduate awarded 2026 Accelerator Bursary
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Elrick Boldy, BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate, was announced as one of the recipients of the Accelerator Bursary, a joint initiative funded by Leeds Art Fund and delivered by Leeds Art Gallery and Assembly House Leeds.
The project is designed to provide graduating artists from Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, and Leeds Arts University with support at a crucial stage of their careers, while also nurturing the arts scene in the city and encouraging graduates to choose Leeds as a long-term destination to build their artistic careers.
Elrick Boldy explores the limits of communication through asemic writing – drawings symbolic of writing are rendered using plasma-cut steel, which is formed into curves and waves, then treated with rust-adjacent patina.
As part of the year-long bursary programme, the artists will be given access to a shared studio space, an exhibition opportunity at Assembly House, a presentation of their work at Leeds Art Gallery, and career development support and mentoring throughout the year from staff and experts in the field.
“The Accelerator Bursary highlights the fantastic artistic talent that is emerging from the art schools in our city. We’re thrilled to play a role in nurturing these artists as they take the next steps in their careers and to bring their fresh perspectives to our audiences at the gallery.”
Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery
Now in its second year, the Accelerator Bursary gives artists a stepping stone to artistic careers. The programme runs from January to December, with artist callouts taking place in autumn.
Leeds Arts University’s 2025 recipient was BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate Alegira Repila Smith, who recently exhibited SURFACE TENSION, a solo two-day installation of sculpture and sound at Leeds Art Gallery.