Cat Scott (UNBOUND)
We’re pleased to share with you some of the wider UNBOUND artist cohort…
UNBOUND is an
artist training & mentoring development programme for artists seeking to develop their practice to deliver artworks in public spaces, which is delivered by BEAM and ourselves at YVAN. It’s part of Our Year, and is funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
For our next spotlight as part of this project, introducing Cat Scott…
Cat is an international artist living in Bradford who creates contemporary fluid sculptures/installations, using wave phenomena (light/sound/liquids/gases). Her work sparks curiosity/wonder in audiences of all backgrounds, and tours to diverse spaces — galleries/light festivals/public spaces — ensuring accessibility for those who may not visit galleries.
“Networks like UNBOUND and Yorkshire Sculpture International Sculpture Network help me stay connected, share knowledge, and sustain my practice.”
Can you tell us a bit about your practice as a visual artist?
My practice is led by curiosity/wonder and exploration into contemporary/traditional sculptural materials/technologies, focusing on fluid systems, mixing hyper-personal yet universal themes, and creating ephemeral sculptures for exhibitions, events, and public spaces.
After growing up in Keighley (a working-class town, West Yorkshire), and believing that everyone is born an artist, I prioritise inclusivity, engaging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Why do you create?
Creating is fundamental to being human, so I embrace my intuition enabling me to express myself in multi-sensory ways (sound, light, movement of fluids, etc).
Inspired by my creative family and upbringing, especially my childhood underwater-themed bedroom, toys and books, I draw on these memories to create contemporary sculptures/installations, often returning to fluid, ephemeral underwater worlds and bubbles.
Do you consider yourself to be part of an artist network/community, and if so, how does this impact your practice?
Bradford has a strong DIY creative community, including the Bradford Visual Art Socials, which I founded in 2023 and passed to Bradford Producing Hub.
Despite limited infrastructure, its visual arts scene is growing with the UK City of Culture 2025. Networks like UNBOUND and Yorkshire Sculpture International Sculpture Network help me stay connected, share knowledge, and sustain my practice.
“Commissioners must set realistic expectations, so artists aren’t forced to work for free or below the living wage, as in any other job. ”
What changes would you like to see in the arts sector?
Commissioners must set realistic expectations, so artists aren’t forced to work for free or below the living wage, as in any other job.
More funded international residencies and networking opportunities are needed, post-Brexit. My sculpture Inner Horizons (2019–24), first created in South Korea, marked a major career milestone in my career. Now supported by key UK organisations, I’m planning a national tour in 2025 (www.catscott.co.uk/inner-horizons).
How has the UNBOUND development and mentoring programme, about creating art for public spaces, impacted your own outlook and your creativity?
Closing my knowledge gap on working safely in public spaces and being proposal-ready for commissions, enabling me to go full circle back to where my practice began (public art), thanks to my mentor, Peachzz. I’ve already started applying—yay!
Networking with artists, curators, and commissioners through cohort talks has been essential for support, partnerships, and collaborations across 2D (murals) and 3D (sculpture) practices.
What are your future aspirations as a visual artist and have you got anything coming up you’d like to share?
To upscale my touring works and team in the public realm, during the UK City of Culture 2025 in Bradford.
To secure 1+ public art commissions biannually by 2026.
With more to be announced, feel free to sign up to my quarterly newsletter to be the first to hear about my latest news.
Links:
Website: https://www.catscott.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catscottart/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cat_scott
Image credit: Adam Garbutt_(Selby Creates)
UNBOUND is part of Our Year, and is funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.