Art Corridor, Duncan of Jordanstone College, Dundee.
Many years ago New Blood Art tapped into something that was missing: a space for emerging artists, just out of university, to show their work and connect with collectors. A more accessible version of collecting fine art was also in mind in displaying work by brilliant artists in their early career stages, before their work increases in price. The gallery has been meeting with these artists and collectors since 2004.
Founder Sarah trained in art and art education, and New Blood Art curates like a physical gallery in an innovative online model to represent emerging artists. Things began, simply, with conversations: with artists, art tutors and a web developer. Since then Sarah has visited degree shows up and down the country every year, and New Blood Art's inclusive focus on art schools and institutions across the UK has allowed for a unique representation of talent and promise, from Falmouth and Carmarthen to Dundee.
Meeting with artists and tutors as they are presenting their final year shows is the best way to discover what's coming in contemporary art. There have been huge changes in the art world as it's become increasingly digitised, but New Blood Art has kept to its core values, remaining focused on the qualities of the work the artists are making and the promise they hold as their practice develops.
In 2023, New Blood Art launched its Emerging Art Prize, marking an exciting new evolution in curatorial technique which invites greater input from tutors, heads of department and colleges. Deferring to the wisdom of those who know artists and their work the best, New Blood Art invites three nominations from each institution. A wealth of expertise goes into creating the list of nominees, as New Blood Art celebrates the pivotal role of institutions and individual tutors in fostering exciting new talent.
Each year we celebrate our Highlights, whilst artist news, prizes, shows and residencies are published in the Spotlight section of the website. Artists often stay with the gallery as their career progresses, and you can find artists at a mid-career stage on the the Art Masters section of our website.
Keeping a dialogue going is important: whether with artists, collectors - here or abroad, first-time or those who've been returning over the past 18 years - and interior designers, curators and other industry professionals. Our newsletter highlights curated collections, artist news and introduces new artists, whilst our blog features pictures of work in collectors' homes and interviews with artists, as well as a peek into their studios.
It's been a journey, platforming the future of art online. Get in touch anytime to talk art with us! We're always interested in hearing what you have to say about what's on display, and in meeting others passionate about contemporary art.