Fine Art Alumna Wins Emerging Sussex Prize at Artwave Festival

East Sussex College is celebrating the success of alumna Tia Wilson, who has been awarded the prestigious Emerging Sussex prize at this year’s Artwave Festival, organised by Hospitable Environment.

Tia impressed judges with her work exhibited at the festival, which highlighted her creativity and vision as a developing artist.

“I was really pleased to be recognised at the Artwave Festival! It was my first time showcasing in Newhaven and I was unsure what to expect, but it was a wonderful experience alongside many talented young creatives. The award is a year's membership to Towner Eastbourne awarded by Towner and Creative Newhaven, which I am really excited to be recognised by such established and important art institutions.”

Her piece, which explored themes of digital culture and online connections, resonated with audiences and reflected her unique artistic voice. “The piece I exhibited ‘Preaching to the Algorithm’ are two portrait tapestries created to explore the dynamic between myself and distantly connected individuals through the algorithm. My work typically deals with digital and online aesthetics and this work uses niche Tiktok preachers, through timely crochet processes, to reflect a parasocial mode of interaction which exists online.”

Tia studied Fine Art at Hastings as part of East Sussex College, an experience that played a key role in her artistic journey. “I have studied Fine Art at East Sussex College from A-Level, through foundation, and all the way up to degree-level. The College has been a massive part of my artistic development and has given me the opportunity to continue progressing at every stage. I am now a practicing artist in residence on the Fine Art (BA Hons) at East Sussex College and this is allowing me to continue my creative output and engage with exhibitions like that of Emerging Sussex.

“I would definitely recommend the course to other young people wanting to study Fine Art; there’s a range of specialisms to study and loads of support and facilities to broaden your creative practice. The library is a comprehensive resource that aided a lot of my independent research as a degree-level artist and it’s great that both conceptual and process-led ways of making are encouraged at this college. This encouragement comes straight from all the amazing staff and I have to thank my degree tutors Hannah, Patrick, Sharon, and Rowan for all their mentorship!”

Alongside her individual success, it was also a chance to see the return of the Algorithm Preachers, a collaborative project Tia has been involved with. “I submitted the Algorithm Preachers to Emerging Sussex as their open call was centred around the theme ‘Hold on Tight’ which seeks to show different artists connections to everyday life. For me, the internet has been a large part of my formative years which has followed me into adulthood.”

Looking ahead, Tia is already planning her next steps in the art world. “Being a part of Artwave Festival and having my work recognised by Towner and Creative Newhaven has encouraged me to continue engaging with exhibition open calls. I am working on a long term project which will be showcased next year in the 5th Floor Gallery Space at the Stations Plaza Campus and in October I am taking part in ‘the BABS Award’ at the St Leonard pub, which is a local exhibition arranged between the St Leonard and Kathleen Foley (a third year Fine Art student at East Sussex College). I am really fortunate to have these opportunities and I am grateful for the community of artists I have met through my study which has led me to this point.”

East Sussex College is proud of Tia’s achievement and looks forward to seeing her future work and impact on the arts community.