b-side / DVA / VASW Platform Bursary

Dorset Visual Arts has worked in partnership with b-side and Visual Arts South West to provide a Platform Bursary for a selected artist. This year, the bursary is awarded to Darcy Miller.

Darcy is a recent sculpture graduate of Arts University Bournemouth. Their 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. They plan 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 artist, helping me secure the sustainability of my making”

Darcy receives a £1,000 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 the outcome of Darcy’s work at this year's b-side (10-13 Sept) at Chiswell Community Garden on Portland.