News / 21 Nov 2024
Two artists awarded commissions for 2024/25 APP Creative Commissions Programme
Exhibitions
Two artists, Parham Ghalamdar and Lonny Chauhan, have been awarded commissions as part of our 2024/25 APP Creative Commissions Programme.
The APP Creative Commissions Programme aims to increase the presence of practitioners of minoritised ethnicities interacting with the University and to challenge and develop pedagogy by generating inclusive debate.
The programme is part of the University’s 2020-21 to 2024-25 Access and Participation Plan, an ambitious five-year plan to develop access to, success during, and progression following university for students from underrepresented groups, including students of Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnicities. The creatives will be provided with a research and production budget and artist’s fee.
Parham Ghalamdar is an artist skilled in oil painting, ceramics, moving image, AI-generated imagery, and writing. His recent works explore his historical and philosophical heritage through a decolonial lens, reinterpreting and innovating within the genres of futurism and science fiction. Recent solo exhibitions include "Painting, An Unending" at HOME in Manchester and "Deep Desert Objekt" at Pipeline Contemporary Gallery in London. Ghalamdar has exhibited at venues such as Caustic Coastal, the Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Castlefield Gallery, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, and The Lowry. Recognized with awards like the UK New Artists bursary 2023, DYCP grant, and Innovative Grant, his art is collected by notable institutions, including the Government Art Collection.
“I am truly honored to receive the award for the APP Creative Commissions Programme 2024/25. This opportunity will allow me to collaborate with the university community, fostering mutual growth and experimentation. I look forward to challenging and being challenged by students, enriching our collective artistic practices.”
Parham Ghalamdar
Lonny Chauhan is a multi-disciplinary artist, predominately working within painting and sculpture. Themes of fragility and intimacy surround his recent work, stemming from previous focus on people, transience and mortality, as well as his own experience of living with disability. Chauhan is based in West Sussex and recently graduated from Leeds Arts University, during which time he studied abroad in Canada. Experience of working across England and in other countries has fuelled his interest in people and our connections, and Lonny views intimacy as perhaps the most important way through which we attribute meaning in our lives. Through his work Chauhan aims to encourage the appreciation for those around us.
“I'm honoured to have been awarded this commission and I'm excited to have this opportunity to explore my growing interest in engaging with the people around me. I hope to leave a positive impact through this - encouraging friendly interactions between one another and strengthening a feeling of community in the area.”
Lonny Chauhan
The proposals were judged by a selection panel with invited external panellist, Anita Kumari (Executive Director, East Street Arts), Professor Dave Russell (Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education), Associate Professor Dr Marianna Tsionki (University Curator), and Dr Laura da Costa (Access and Participation Development Manager).
"We're delighted to offer these commissions to two such talented artists. Now in its fourth year, the programme is a part of the University's Access and Participation Plan, which seeks to raise the value and importance of Higher Education in building viable careers in the arts for all. We are very excited at the prospect of sharing the outcomes of the commissions publicly once they have been completed.”
Professor Dave Russell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education