Platform bursaries are aimed at emerging visual artists or established artists interested in exploring new ways of working.
.This year b-side has worked In partnership with Dorset Visual Arts and Visual Arts South West.
The selected bursary artist for 2026 is Darcy Miller.
Darcy is a recent sculpture graduate of Arts Universty Bournemouth. Her work explores ecology, specifically the relationship between humans and the earth and the tension between them.
Darcy’s work explores how intimacy alters the relationship between humans and plants. she plans to experiment with merging smaller-scale metal work with textile and organic materials from the earth.
“I’m thrilled to receive the 2026 Platform Bursary, with the help and guidance of b-side, Dorset Visual Arts and VASW. I look forward to refining my practice by developing ongoing projects. I am excited to pursue new mediums and push my practice into unexplored avenues. It will allow me adapt my artwork as I transition into a freelance artists, helping me secure the sustainability of my making”
Darcy will receive a £1000 bursary to support her work, mentoring from b-side and Dorset Visual Arts as well as a menu of support from Visual Arts South West. To find out more about the Platform Bursary, read HERE
We are excited to see how Darcy’s work develops over the next year.

