Artists in Residence 

A hundred years ago in the before times, we started hatching ideas for a MAYK hosted/held/curated space that would be specifically looking at a collaborative support structure for a new generation of artists and creative thinkers. One that wasn’t about hierarchical notions of training, and that could exist without an outcome focus. We wanted this space (interpret that as you will) to be able to shapeshift, to ultimately become autonomous, and to place an extraordinary group of artists working across different disciplines at the heart of our processes.

This is they.

They are in residence with us for the next year during which time we will gather, talk, listen, make connections, reach out and learn. All of us together.

We will do this online and offline and will respond to the curiosities of the individuals here and the power of the group as it understands itself.

If you’d like to know more about this residency do get in touch, but in the meantime, over to our them: 

  • A photo of Manoel in an outdoor space. He is looking to the right of the camera, wearing a plaid shirt, black t-shirt and a silver pedant

    Manoel Akure

    I am a freelance Designer, Photographer, Cinematographer, and Creative Director based in Bath, England. My creative career started in 2015.

    My work now boasts involvement in many fields spanning from Wedding Photography, Commercial, Advertising, Fashion, Lifestyle, Independent Cinema, Editorial and many more. I have developed a real-world aesthetic and I aim to present the moment in the most realistic and emotion filled way without sacrificing the natural aesthetic or the story in the process.

    I have collaborated, partnered and worked with a range of clients including BBC, University of Bath, Elim Church, NCS, Bristol Council, Youth Music Awards and lots more.

  • A woman wearing a yellow t-shirt stands behind a table with some black and white drawings on it

    Abby Bayliss

    I’m a digital illustrator, visual artist and journalist. Currently, working as Arnolfini Gallery’s Marketing and Communications assistant, alongside being a Rising Arts Agency creative and the youngest member of the Visual Arts South West Steering Group. My regional exhibition tour of my Black Portraits Project has exhibited from all across the South West to Carnaby street Soho. I’m also a published illustrator of the children's book ‘Where is Summer’s Fluffy Cat?’ with the sequel ‘Why is my hair curly?’ being released in Summer 2021. Alongside commissions from the BBC, writing a podcast for the National Trust and illustrating the Big Give campaign for Arts and Health South West, I’ve earned my title by Rife Magazine as one of Bristol’s most influential people under 30.

  • Ryan Convery

    Predominantly working with still photography the foundation of my practice stems from my inherent connection to architecture, structure, space and urban planning. I am interested in the way in which we all see, perceive, utilise and feel space differently depending on our situation, background, mindset, goal, purpose, interests, hobbies etc. Intrigued particularly in how design for purpose has endless opportunities nonetheless of its specificity. More recently I have discovered how genuinely interested I am in individuals, their stories and their contribution to society. Which in tandem of my connection to space has merged into a labour of love; A personal project and exploration of a thriving independent, uncomputerised, cash only and traditionally trading greengrocers.

  • A photo of a polaroid of Oscar, who has dark hair and is wearing a grey sweatshirt. He is holding his hand on his chest

    Oscar Cremmen

    I am a filmmaker under the label Left-Handed Jack. Other writings and works under the name Oscar Cremmen. Born during an eclipse.

  • Emily Kouidri

    I work in tv production in London and I'm really passionate about social justice and using creativity as a tool to educate and to prompt social change.

    I love to create things - whether through story telling, writing or photography and I’ve recently started roller skating which is fun! I am currently working on a short film in my spare time to highlight the power individuals have when they’re united but with particular focus on uplifting the voices of young and underrepresented groups.

  • A woman with long dark hair faces the camera. She is resting her head in her hand and is in front of a green hedge

    India Ysabel Miles

    I’m is an activist, content creator and co-founder of The Speak Up Space, an online listening and signposting space for survivors of sexual violence and harassment.

  • A photo of Rema. She is wearing a white vest top and a necklace. She has her eyes closed and is facing to the left next to a pink wall

    Rema Mukena

    Named one of the most influential people in Bristol under the age of 24 by Rife Magazine in 2019 and one of the most inspiring Black journalists in the UK by Behind Local News in 2020, I’m a multi-faceted creative, presenter, award winning journalist and artist. I am an Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 4 working on various programmes and formerly the Facebook Community Reporter for Bristol Live, working closely with communities which are under-represented in the media. My work has appeared in collaboration with Channel 4, Boomtown Festival, The Social Detail, Lapp The Brand - just to name a few. I am also making waves in the artistic industry and was a Researcher for BBC Bristol for the award-winning Seven Saints of St Pauls Project. I have also been working with Bristol Museums and V&A London to make museums more inclusive for young people. I’m part of Livity’s The In Future List Collective - the world’s change makers and leaders.

  • A photo of Sarah against a grey background, Sarah has long dark hair and is wearing blue demin and a dark coloured long sleeve top. She is looking at the camera and smiling.

    Sarah Selby

    I am a visual artist who uses software, programming, emerging and pervasive technology to explore digital culture, raising critical questions around its social, ethical and environmental implications. 

    I was the winner of Arebyte Gallery’s ‘Hotel Generation’ programme resulting in my solo show ‘Raised by Google’ (2019), featured in Timeout and FAD magazine. I was shortlisted for The Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize for my interactive artwork ‘If you leave it up to the audience, they can kill you’ and I am an alumni of Roche Continents - an international residency exploring sources of inspiration at the intersection of science and art. 

    I was recently the nominated hero for Global Goal 9 ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’ as part of the Bristol17 campaign. This year I headlined a season of events that explored ‘The Downloadable Brain’ by Liverpool based Cognitive Sensations. I am currently exploring the potential of DNA Data storage as an artist in residence at Loughborough University for a forthcoming exhibition in December.

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