Student who battled years of addiction announced as breakthrough artist fellow

A Cardiff Metropolitan University student has been announced as a breakthrough artist fellow after overcoming years of personal challenges.

Mia Roberts, 30, from Holyhead, North Wales, studied Master of Fine Art at Cardiff Met and has been announced as one of the Breakthrough Artists Fellows from the Artist Futures Fund for 2024.

The Artists Futures Fund – formerly known as the Artists Benevolent Fund – supports artists to overcome barriers and flourish creatively and professionally. Cardiff Met is also one of the fund’s Higher Education Institution partners.

The annual Fellowship programme award grant supports contemporary artists who are facing economic, social, cultural or health barriers that would otherwise prevent individuals from undertaking their creative practice and advancing their career.

Mia talks very openly about her battles with alcohol and drug addiction which went on for years and affected her studies, while struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and identity. Mia made the brave decision to speak to her family and friends and seek help.

Mia now lives in Cardiff after completing her master’s at Cardiff Met, it was during her studies that she was made aware of the Artists Futures Fund Fellowship Grant.

Mia said: “For years, my drinking and drug taking affected my studies, it meant I had to move university while doing my undergraduate degree. I was on a downward spiral and caused my family a lot of worry but after making the decision to turn my life around, I now use my personal experiences to help inspire my art projects.”

“To be announced as a fellow was a massive shock. I was in a state of disbelief when informed, and still feel like it’s not real to be honest! Being able to get back in the studio and continue making without so much external stress is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Without this, I most likely would have been unable to really immerse myself and continue making. I’ve already been planning projects for the year and am excited to get to work.”

Mia highlighted that she takes inspiration for her art work from real life and that her own life experiences help her as an artist.

Discussing her dreams for the future, Mia said: “I would love to become a print technician or an art teacher, whilst making my own art on the side. I like to help people and have had such a great experience with my tutors, they have been incredibly helpful and inspired me, so I would love to give someone else that confidence. If I could do that while still making my own artwork, it would be great.”

Each of the Artist Future Fund Breakthrough Artist Fellow receives a £10,000 grant to support living costs, materials and other costs incurred during the Fellowship, along with full time studio space provided by a Higher Education Institution.

Sean Edwards, Programme Director of Fine Art & Photography in the Cardiff School of Art and Design, and Mia’s mentor, said: “We are thrilled that Mia has been awarded the Artists Futures Fund Fellowship and will spend a further year with us in the studios. Mia proved to be an exceptional student during her studies with us, fully engaged with her practice and consistently pushing and developing techniques in sculpture, printmaking and bookmaking.

“There is an honesty to Mia and her practice that is rare and cuts through to the core of what a practice can be for someone questioning their place and role in the world, and in turn asking us to consider ours. Mia’s generosity in the studio, through open collaboration and discussions helped her to really expand and develop over her masters study with us, and this fellowship will allow her the opportunity and security to continue building on that, to continue to take risks and help to her establish a practice, that I have no doubt, will only go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Offering advice to other students and their support networks, Mia said: “Everyone is different and we all go through different things. My advice would be directed more at the people around those struggling – often, it’s very tough to deal with things on your own. I know without a support network around me of people willing to help me, I may not have been able to push through difficulties I’ve had.

“We need to be more caring and communicative to each other and focus on creating an environment that functions socially and promotes inclusion of everyone. Sometimes checking if people need help or are okay or investing time in a conversation can go a long way.”