THE Art Market is recruiting raw talent for its three-day art, design and contemporary craft show in York this autumn.


Talented young artists, including graduates, are being given the chance to win exhibition space and to showcase their work at York Racecourse from October 2 to 4, when visitors will be able to buy and commission work from more than 100 British artists.


The Art Market has launched the RAW Graduate Mentoring Awards, offering 12 free places to undiscovered painters, sculptors, jewellery makers, ceramicists and other artists, who each will be supported with a mentoring package worth £1,200.


Five of the 12 places have been awarded already, and among the winners is jewellery and metalwork graduate Henrietta Mapplebeck from Naburn, York, who studied at Sheffield Hallam University. Henrietta designs extravagant and bold head pieces in copper, steel, fabrics, acrylic sheet and wire, and welcoming the award, she says: “This is an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the region’s most talented artists and also to exhibit my work. It’s going to be a really valuable experience and I’m so pleased to have won a place.”


Brendan Hesmondhalgh is one of three artists who established The Art Market in Holmfirth eight years ago, alongside textile designer Victoria Robinson and ceramicist Emily Stubbs. “There's a vibrant and creative community in Yorkshire and we want to help them to be successful in their area," says Brendan.


"Our events in Holmfirth are incredibly well supported and we wanted to extend this success into North Yorkshire. York is a rich city in terms of creativity and art, and York Racecourse provides the space for our artists to fully display their work to a knowledgeable and appreciative audience.


“As well as supporting more established artists, we are keen to support new talent and to give them the chance to showcase their work, as well as to learn from their peers. And it’s not just graduates that we want to hear from; we’d love to award a place to people who have perhaps discovered their artistic talents at a later stage in their life, and with a bit of mentoring could actually change their lives and embrace their creativity.”


The Art Market expects to attract 2,000 people per day to this autumn's three-day event, which will include workshops, interactive areas, live music, demonstrations and a living plinth.


To apply for the RAW Graduate Mentoring Award or to buy tickets for the Art Market in York, visit artmarkets.co.uk