Samuel Ross, the founder and Creative Director of A-COLD-WALL*, is re-launching the eponymously titled Samuel Ross Black British Artist Grant Programme for 2022. With a focus on championing Black creatives, this fourth installment welcomes those in the fields of industrial design, graphic design, fine art, furniture, sculpture and fashion to submit their applications to become the recipient of the grant, in turn helping them to emerge in industries “where opportunity has been historically scarce for the Black British community,” per S_RA.

This year, Ross welcomes Grace Wales Bonner to the board as a guest advisor, who said “I’m excited about seeing the level of talent we can support this year.” Likewise, Dr. Gus Casely-Hayford, Art Historian, Broadcaster and Director of V&A East, joins the grant program’s advisory board. Together, the three will choose applicants to receive the £2,500 GBP (approx. $3,000 USD) financial grant and mentorship that aims to propel the prospective grantees into their specialist fields with the right tools and understanding to succeed.

With this in mind, the grant program increases access, visibility and integration for marginalized people who are at an unfair disadvantage compared to their peers. Since 2020, Samuel Ross’ initiative has paved the way for 30 young designers, including the furniture designer Mac Collins, the photographer Ronan Mckenzie, and the architect Dominique Petite-Frère.

This year, there are 10 slots available. Applications are open from today until August 29, and can be submitted on the dedicated grant program website.

In case you missed it, check out this week’s issue of Sole Mates.