Barnsley College student Alla’s artistic wishes have been granted

@BarnsleyCollege Higher Education student, Alla Laycock, has been successful in her application for the Barnsley College Enterprising Futures (BCEF) grant, allowing her to participate in the International Contemporary Art Fair Bruxelles in February 2021.

Alla is currently in her third year of study towards a BA (Hons) Fine Art Practice degree and has created a website and social media channels to promote her artwork. Having had her work reviewed online, Alla received an invitation from Curator of the International Department of Van Gogh Art Gallery in Madrid to participate in the International Contemporary Art Fair Bruxelles 2021.

The Art Fair, now in its fifth year, runs from 26 to 28 February 2021 in Brussels, Belgium and is a unique opportunity for displaying new talent whilst discovering the painting, sculpting, photography and ceramic stars of tomorrow. Professionals, art galleries and collectors from across the globe are invited to the event.

Barnsley College’s Enterprise Department awards students with the BCEF grant to provide the necessary funds for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. Alla will use her grant of £1,875 to cover the costs of participating and sending her artwork to the Art Fair.

Alla said: “I was born in Ukraine and from my youth I collected albums on art, but never thought I could be an artist. I am a trained Engineering System Analyst and I only began to paint when I moved to England, without knowledge of the language, several years ago. Art helped me through the stress of moving, separation from family and friends and helped me to adapt to new conditions. For me, art is an expression of my inner world, it helps me to communicate, fight stress and loneliness.

“I want to become a Fine Artist and specialise in abstract painting and 3D sculpture. Participating in international exhibitions will enrich my knowledge about the modern art market and help me promote my work.

“Displaying my work at the International Contemporary Art Fair is a great opportunity to meet professionals, contemporary artists, and art collectors. This experience has already given me invaluable practical skills in negotiation with the gallery in pricing, framing and shipping of artwork.”