Meet Joseph Ijoyemi, a rising UK artist who’s taken his creative practice to the next level with UAL’s Mead Fellowship and Creative Business Accelerator! From boosting his confidence to mastering the business side of art, Joseph’s journey shows just how transformative these programmes can be for ambitious creatives ready to thrive in the industry.
How did you find out about the Mead Fellowship, and why did you apply?
I found out about the Mead Fellowship during my first year in the MA Fine Art programme. I believe it was shared through email networks and other channels. I thought it was interesting because it offered an opportunity to develop your practice as you're about to finish your MA or higher education.
Initially, I applied but didn’t get in. However, the experience gave me more confidence to try again. By the time I graduated in my final year, I was successful, and that’s how I eventually got into the Mead Fellowship.
What was the application process like?
In my opinion, the application process was very straightforward. They were looking for detailed information to understand the projects, my goals, and what I aimed to achieve. This required me to really think about how to clearly describe and articulate my project. Personally, it was simple—I just needed to include all relevant information to help them fully understand my vision.
What did the Mead Fellowship enable you to do?
The Mead Fellowship, which recently ended, allowed me to travel and expand my network internationally. Networking outside of London or the UK is different from networking in other countries entirely, and the Fellowship enabled me to connect with talented individuals and institutions beyond the UK. It especially helped me explore areas of interest, like Nigeria.
You have gained several other awards and prizes, would you recommend fundraising for creative projects, and any tips?
Yes, I’d definitely recommend applying for funding and awards. They’re invaluable for sustaining your practice and learning essential skills, like writing applications and proposals. These skills are crucial after graduation, as you’ll often be communicating with professionals and managing budgets.
I also encourage students to apply for the Mead Fellowship and other opportunities—even those outside the UK. There are many out there; it’s about finding what aligns with your practice. Resilience is key—even if you face rejections, keep applying.
For recent graduates, it’s essential to maintain your practice by taking advantage of available opportunities. Many struggle to sustain their work after graduation, but tapping into these resources can help keep your artistic practice alive.
Why did you apply to take part in the Creative Business Accelerator?
I only found out about the Creative Business Accelerator a week before the deadline. Initially, I was sceptical because, in the past, similar programmes hadn’t yielded any tangible results. I was unsure about applying, however, I decided to go for it, and since then, it’s proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made! The programme wraps up in a few weeks, and it’s been incredibly valuable.
How has taking part in the Creative Business Accelerator impacted your business so far?
For me, the biggest impact has been meeting like-minded people. It’s encouraging to connect with others on similar journeys and see that I’m not alone in facing certain challenges.
The programme has also shifted my perspective on my creative career, particularly in handling clients and navigating the business side of things. As creatives, we often keep pushing forward without pausing, which can lead to burnout and diminished results. Creative Business Accelerator has helped me understand the importance of stepping back to focus on the logistical and business aspects. This shift has greatly benefited our collective and enhanced our approach to running our organisation.