An award-winning artist who was born locally has been honoured by the University of Wolverhampton for her contribution to the arts.
Helen Cammock was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts on Monday 18 July 2022. The award was presented to Helen at a University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremony at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
Helen said: “What an honour this is and a real surprise. I want to thank the University for considering me worthy of such an award. This year has been very special to come back to Wolverhampton to work in the School of Art with some highly skilled and supportive members of staff.
“I came to art as a second career from ten years working in the social work setting and have managed to find a language to say what I need to say in the world. I feel very lucky, and I should say privileged, to be able to work as an artist - not because I think it’s an easy option but because I believe it is important that society has artists.
“I congratulate everyone graduating today and wish you happiness and a thirst to change the world in whatever way you choose.”
Helen Cammock, who was born in Staffordshire, works across film, photography, print, text and performance and was one of the artists taking part in the recent British Art Show 9 (BAS9) exhibition in Wolverhampton.
She was shortlisted for the 2019 Turner Prize and was awarded the prize along with the other three nominees. She was also awarded the Max Mara Art Prize for Women in 2017. She has exhibited her work in London, Dublin, Cambridge, Beirut, Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, The Hague, Florence and Venice and has had articles published in Frieze Magazine and the British Journal of Photography.
The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies are taking place at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton from Monday 18 July until Tuesday 26 July 2022.
Over 1,000 students will graduate at 16 ceremonies.
