17-26 July, NN Contemporary Art Project Space, Vulcan Works

The Professional Development Residency Awards (PDRA) is a partnership between NNCA and the University of Northampton, organisations that are both passionately committed to making Northampton a culturally rich place in which to live, study, and visit. Our common objectives are: creative research in art and design, public and community engagement, local growth and regeneration, and skills development, enterprise and employment. 

For the first residency this year, NNCA are delighted to welcome Miami-Oralee Mashigo, a graduate of BA Fine Art, who is also the joint recipient of the 2024 NN Prize, selected by Andy Holden. 

Passionate about raising awareness of climate change and pollution’s detrimental effects on the earth’s ecosystem, Miami has committed herself to creating impactful, installation-based work. Through thorough research and months of working with the waste and litter she has sourced; she creates compelling pieces highlighting and supporting her environmental message. Her work reflects a commitment to sustainability and aims to inspire others to recognize and address the urgent issues facing our planet. 

‘Through my work, I aim to evoke a visceral and emotional response from viewers, prompting them to confront the urgent and pressing issues that our planet faces. I aim to create a space for self-reflection, helping to develop a deepened awareness of the environmental challenges we collectively confront. I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and a call to action, encouraging viewers to consider their impact on the planet and the critical need for sustainable change.’ 

Miami will utilise the residency opportunity to continue to explore these urgent ideas and develop work specifically for our project space at Vulcan Works. A public opening will be held on the 25 July, 6pm, to view the results of her residency.

Image credit: Tara Florence