Teesside University, in partnership with MIMA and New Contemporaries, invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship titled "Future Contemporaries: New Directions for Early-Career Artist Support." This project marks the 75th anniversary of New Contemporaries, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to supporting early-career artists. The research will critically examine the effectiveness of current support practices for emerging artists and propose innovative models for engagement and development within the cultural sector. The successful candidate will employ evaluative research techniques to measure the impact of existing programmes and develop creative advocacy strategies to enhance the sector's work. The project is highly relevant, given the rapidly evolving needs of artists and the shifting markers of artistic careers. Over the past 15 years, there has been a notable increase in non-accredited courses and localised development initiatives by organisations such as Wysing Art Centre, Spike Island, School of the Damned, and NewBridge Projects. These changes, alongside rising tuition fees and living costs, have prompted the sector to innovate and adapt to artists' needs. This research is particularly timely as New Contemporaries is rethinking its organisational model and programming. The annual New Contemporaries exhibition will be hosted at MIMA, part of Teesside University, in 2026, providing a dynamic and supportive context for the project. The PhD researcher will have access to a rich array of resources, including a 75-year archive, anonymised data from over 2,500 annual applicants, staff expertise, artist alumni, and a network of UK-wide partnerships. The supervisory team at Teesside University and MIMA offers expertise in curatorial practice, accredited and informal artist development, art education, and cultural policy. The Institute for Collective Place Leadership will provide an interdisciplinary environment for the research, supporting the candidate's academic and professional growth. Funding: This studentship covers full tuition fees for up to four years and provides an annual tax-free stipend of £21,380 for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Both UK and international applicants are eligible to apply. Eligibility: Applicants should have a strong academic background in art, art education, cultural policy, or a related field, with a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) and preferably a relevant master's qualification. Experience or interest in early-career artist development, evaluative research, and the cultural sector is desirable. English language proficiency may be required for international applicants. Application deadline: 28 November 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the project page on FindAPhD.