UWTSD Students Selected for Prestigious Wales in Venice 2026 Programme

24 April 2026

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to celebrate the selection of two Swansea College of Art students, Em Dorion and Eve Slatter, for the prestigious Invigilator+ programme at Wales in Venice 2026, part of the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.

A pic of a student in a blue top and jeans sitting on a chair next to a table.

Em Dorion (pictured) and Eve Slatter are studying BA Fine Art: Studio, Site and Context at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD. Their selection highlights the strength of the university’s studio-led approach and its commitment to nurturing ambitious, critically engaged artists.

The Invigilator+ programme, led by the Arts Council of Wales, offers early-career artists, curators and students the opportunity to spend time in Venice acting as ambassadors for Cymru yn Fenis / Wales in Venice. Participants gain invaluable professional experience supporting the exhibition while engaging with an international audience at one of the world’s most significant contemporary art events.

UWTSD is also delighted to recognise the success of two recent graduates selected through the national open call: Niamh O’Dobhain (Fine Art) and Abby Poulson (Photography). Both were part of the recent Artes Mundi 11 team and continue to build impressive early careers within the visual arts sector, reflecting the ongoing impact of UWTSD’s creative community.

This year’s Wales in Venice presentation, Sownd, is led by artists Manon Awst and Dylan Huw in collaboration with Oriel Myrddin and Oriel Davies, showcasing the very best of contemporary Welsh artistic practice on an international stage.

Alexander Duncan, Lecturer in Fine Art and MA Contemporary Dialogues at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD, said: “Opportunities such as Invigilator+ are transformative for emerging artists. Em and Eve will be immersed in an environment that brings together cutting-edge contemporary practice with the rich historical context of Venice. Experiences like this expand not only their understanding of global art networks but also their confidence as practitioners navigating a complex and evolving creative landscape.”

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director for Art and Media at UWTSD, added: “We are immensely proud of Em and Eve, as well as of Niamh and Abby, whose achievements demonstrate the depth of talent within Swansea College of Art. Their involvement in Wales in Venice and beyond speaks to the power of creative education at UWTSD, where students and graduates are supported to develop distinctive voices and to contribute meaningfully to the cultural sector both in Wales and internationally.”

The Wales in Venice programme continues to provide a vital platform for emerging talent, fostering international connections and championing Wales as a dynamic and forward-looking cultural nation. The partnership is kindly supported by the Brian Ross Memorial Legacy.