Student Residency 2025 Winners Announced

As a part of The University of Derby’s Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Service, the Banks Mill Student Residency Award is open to University of Derby students and recent graduates, who would like access to begin or grow their creative business or practice, in a professional studio space at our creative studios on Bridge Street in Derby. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for students and graduates to develop new work and business skills in a creative and collaborative environment.  The successful applicants not only win a 12-month fully funded studio residency, but they also have an opportunity to exhibit their work at Banks Mill’s annual Open Studios, an event which attracts more than 1000 visitors over the weekend, they also gain the opportunity to engage with the vibrant and rich creative community within the building. 

This year’s residency winners have come from a variety of creative backgrounds, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent that the University of Derby has to offer. From product design, fine art and fashion to photography, this year’s winners now have the keys to a new studio and beginning of their creative careers.  

 

 

Onyinye Peace Ijeh – O’LIWOoD Ventures – Product Designer

Oliwood Ventures is a distinctive company specializing in handcrafted wooden lamps. At Oliwood Ventures, we believe in merging artistry with functionality to create unique lighting solutions that not only illuminate spaces but also serve as artistic centerpieces. Our latest collection, ‘Oli-map,’ embodies this philosophy by featuring intricately carved maps of Africa, Nigeria, and other stunning designs that reflect our deep-rooted passion for cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. 

@Oliwood_ventures 

 

 

Tom Harrison – Fine Artist  

I’m a Fine Art graduate who creates large scale sculpture and installation work. With a background in engineering and product design, my work explores my interest in these subjects through form, process and material. 

@tharrisondesigns 

https://tharrisondesigns.github.io/web/index.html  

 

 

Donald Yerima – TRAPMASS – Fashion Design & Marketing 

TrapMass is an emerging streetwear label grounded in UK youth culture, influenced by brands like Corteiz, Trapstar, and American giants like Supreme and Who Decides War. My creative practice focuses on designing limited-edition collections that merge functional design with meaningful storytelling such as our anti-knife crime jacket campaign. 

@trapmass 

www.trapmass.com 

 

 

Carla Collinson – Photographer 

I offer creative and professional photography services including studio shoots, commercial work, product and fashion photography, weddings, and proposals. My style blends storytelling with a clean, emotive approach, tailored to each client’s vision. With a background in conceptual and symbolic photography, I create visually striking images that capture genuine moments and meaningful details. Whether it’s a brand campaign, a personal milestone, or editorial content, I provide a collaborative experience from shoot to final edit. 

@carlacollinsonphoto 

https://www.carlacollinson.co.uk/  

 

 

Noah Mcclelland – Multimedia Artist 

I’m a multimedia artist working across photography, installation, and sculpture to explore the relationship between belief and reality. My practice is driven by a curiosity about how we interpret images, construct meaning, and navigate truth in contemporary culture through material experimentation and conceptual play. 

@Noah.a.m.mcc 

https://artsenterpriseoutlet.com/