Press Forward
Artichoke Print Workshop's Gold Arts Award Programme
September 2026 – July 2027
Artichoke Print Workshop is excited to announce a fully funded Gold Arts Award programme for young people aged 16–25, including those not in education or employment (NEET). Running from September 2026 to July 2027, this is a rare independent Gold Arts Award — one of only two in all of London — and carries 16 UCAS points.
What is it?
A nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in which participants explore printmaking in depth while developing creative, research, leadership, and enterprise skills. No previous printmaking experience is necessary.
Over the course of the programme, participants will:
Take part in hands-on workshops in printmaking (intaglio, relief) and bookbinding, with an emphasis on low-cost methods.
Have access to open studio sessions at our Coldharbour Lane workshop
Attend regular group sessions the with Press Forward Collective peers and mentors.
Receive 1-to-1 support (in person or online)
Attend print exhibitions
Complete work-experience
Lead and exhibit their own print project in July 2027
Come and find out more at our Open Evening at Artichoke
📅 Date: Sunday 3 August.
Who is it for?
This programme is particularly aimed at young people in Lambeth aged 16–25, including those who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET). We especially welcome applications from those who face financial or other barriers to accessing arts opportunities. All materials and participation are fully funded — there is no cost to take part in the Arts Award programme itself.
Why printmaking?
Printmaking is booming, and it's one of the most versatile and accessible art forms — and one that builds real skills for creative careers. At Artichoke, you'll work alongside a community of professional printmakers in a studio with over 30 years of history.
Interested?
This programme is funded by Arts Council England's National Lottery Project Grants. Places are limited. To register your interest or find out more, contact us at outreach@artichokeprintworkshop.co.uk
Programme Dates:
Weekend Workshop Schedule (10am–5pm)
Saturday 10 Oct - Bookbinding Workshop - DIY Sketchbooks
Saturday 17 Oct - Open Access Workshop
Saturday 24 Oct - Etching Workshop
Saturday 7 Nov - Open Access
Saturday 14 Nov - Taught Workshop
Saturday 21 Nov -Taught workshop
Saturday 12 Dec- Open Access Workshop
Saturday 30 Jan - Open Access Workshop
Saturday 20 March - Open Access Workshop
Saturday 24 Apr - Open Access Workshop
Monthly Group Sessions run on Wednesdays, 6–9pm
A safe space to share experiments, talk about opportunities in printmaking and the wider arts industry, discuss ways to document and share work online, debate arts issues and report back on exhibition visits. A number of sessions will be allocated to planning an exhibition/event :
30 Sep. 21 Oct. 18 Nov. 9 Dec. 13 Jan. 10 Feb. 3 Mar. 7 Apr. 5 May. 2 Jun . 23 Jun . 7 Jul.
Final Exhibition - 14–21 July 2027
Your work, shown publicly — a celebration of everything you've made and learned.
Additionally you will receive:
Open Access, Monday - Friday (10am - 6pm)
Ten 4 hour workshops sessions to use throughout.
1-to-1 Sessions
10 individual 1-hour mentoring sessions (in person or online) available throughout.