In partnership with 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool Biennial invited expressions of interest from Black artists to receive a £500 research & development grant. This initiative was delivered as part of 24 Kitchen Street’s Black History Month programme in October 2021.

Early-stage creatives based in the Merseyside region were encouraged to apply with successful applicants obtaining a bursary, and the opportunity to access 6 hours of 1:1 mentoring support in production, learning, marketing and fundraising.

After receiving a range of exciting applications, we are now pleased to announce the two recipients of this award – congratulations Millie Toyin Olateju and Anthony Wilde.

About the Artists

Millie Toyin Olateju

Millie Toyin Olateju is a 25-year-old artist, born and based in Liverpool. In 2019, she graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Westminster University, is currently a Bold Place studio member, and has recently produced public work for Bluecoat Gallery.

Toyin Olateju is an abstract painter whose work is inspired by Surrealist Automatism. Her paintings are a mellow exploration of composition, colour, shape, and texture. Toyin Olateju’s technique is described as process-led & personal; painting providing the artist with a means of cathartic escape.

With the grant, she hopes to expand connections and enhance her career development by visiting London to network with galleries and other artists. Toyin Olateju is also looking forward to receiving the 1:1 mentorship provided with the scheme to improve her networking skills. Through her application, Millie expressed interest in visiting exhibitions while in London for inspiration, in particular, Mixing it Up: Painting Today at Hayward Gallery, and Frank Stella: What You See is What You See at Shapero Modern – both shows exhibiting paintings relating directly to her practice.

Anthony Wilde

Anthony Wilde is a photographer, writer and curator. He is the sole producer of street magazine Evolving Necessary and has been documenting the culture of Liverpool for the past several years with an enhanced focus on Black communities. Aligning his practice with movements and attitudes that resonate with him, Wilde is passionate about capturing the city’s subcultures – addressing race, class and sexuality directly from the perspective of those faced with the challenges of living in our society.

Evolving Necessary combines photography, fashion, style, and diversity. The first three issues were produced and funded by Wilde, with the intention to document subcultures emerging from within Liverpool and outer Merseyside regions.

Wilde is currently producing the fourth issue of the magazine. Using the grant, Wilde hopes to enhance the edition by inviting collaborators from marginalised backgrounds and providing a space for creative freedom. The bursary awarded will allow Wilde to obtain a graphic designer and new writers for the forthcoming issue.

Check back for updates on each of the recipient’s progress.

The LB x 24 Kitchen Street Artist Research & Development Grant panel were Lily Mellor, Jasmine Bertie, Saad Shaffi, Gaia Ahuja, Mia Thornton and Josiah Worth.