Alana Leeming, a former student of City of Portsmouth College, has returned to the campus as its inaugural Artist-in-Residence. This appointment makes her the first to hold the position at the institution.
Leeming has been selected as one of eight artists across England and Wales for the 2026-27 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship, funded by the Artists’ Future Fund, an independent charity. The fellowship provides each artist with a £10,000 stipend, studio access, mentoring, professional development, and exhibition opportunities over ten months.
The programme aims to offer artists crucial support, financial security, and space to experiment and develop new work following their formal education. The fellows will culminate their participation with regional exhibitions and a final showcase in London.
“"I hope to create pieces that could connect with people, even if it’s just one person. I want to show my own struggles that I’ve experienced throughout my life – being in foster care growing up during primary development, family, the theme of loneliness being a huge factor, and how these things affect people now as adults. I want to face these issues through my art and let people know, that in a way, they’re not alone."
Leeming's artistic style is varied, with a recent focus leaning towards anime. Her creations primarily utilise acrylic paint and ink pens. She will be based at the college's Sixth Form Campus and intends to collaborate with current students on her projects.
Olivia Mason, Director of Artists Futures Fund, expressed enthusiasm for the new fellows. "We are thrilled to welcome our 2026-27 Breakthrough Artist Fellows. Each artist brings a distinctive practice, perspective and creative ambition to the programme," she stated. "At a point when financial pressures and unequal access to space, networks and opportunities make it increasingly difficult for emerging artists to continue, sustained support can be transformative."
Further information about the 2026-27 fellows and their work can be found at www.artistsfuturesfund.org/2026-27-fellows.
