Ten of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists – spanning music, theatre, poetry and performance – have been selected for the prestigious Roundhouse Resident Artist programme, supported by Chilly’s.
The Roundhouse, the iconic multi-arts venue and youth charity, based in Camden, London, identifies exceptional creatives aged 18–25 each year and gives them the tools, connections and opportunities to build sustainable careers in the arts. The year-long Resident Artist programme has become one of the UK’s leading talent development initiatives, helping launch the next generation of creative voices.
Joining the 2026/27 cohort are musicians Carmen Mellino, Cuttfruit, Isidora, Mar!k and Zoiya, alongside theatre makers and writers Elena Chamberlain, Marcel Bedeau, Victor Sarpong, Selorm Adonu and Shermya.
They join an acclaimed community of Roundhouse alumni including two-time BAFTA-winning writer Jack Rooke, creator of Big Boys; AIM Award-winning singer-songwriter BINA.; and acclaimed electronic producer Loraine James, whose debut album was named DJ Mag’s Album of the Year.
Returning to support the programme for the second year is Chilly’s, the UK-based brand known for its iconic reusable water bottles, cups, and more. United by a shared commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment, the Chilly’s team will continue to collaborate with the Roundhouse and the new Resident Artists on creative projects and performance opportunities over the next year.
During their time with the Roundhouse, the Resident Artists will receive bespoke support to help them build sustainable creative careers. This includes mentoring, free access to studio and rehearsal space, networking opportunities with leading industry professionals and paid performance opportunities on iconic stages across the country, including the Roundhouse’s very own.
Jenny Mollica, CEO of the Roundhouse, said: “Research commissioned by the Roundhouse earlier this year found that 87% of young people say opportunities to connect and create are disappearing. For many years, our Resident Artist programme has been one of the ways we’ve responded to that challenge, providing exceptional young creatives with the space, mentoring, community and opportunities they need to thrive. I’m delighted to welcome this year’s cohort and can’t wait to see how they develop over the coming year and beyond.”
Elena Chamberlain, 2026/27 Roundhouse Resident Artist, said:”I applied to be a Resident Artist with the Roundhouse after taking part in the Roundhouse Poetry Slam heats over the past few years. That experience has been incredibly formative for my work, and the Resident Artist programme felt like the natural next step in my journey as a creative. I’m excited to learn from people across the industry, build lasting relationships with my cohort, and develop a longer-term project to share next year. I feel incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity, and can’t wait to work with the Roundhouse, who champion young people and creativity in such an inspiring way.”
Selorm Adonu, Award-Winning Writer & Actor of Man To Man and 2026/27 Roundhouse Resident Artist, said: “I’m excited to be a part of this insanely talented line up of Roundhouse Resident Artists! I applied because I have a fearless desire to use multidisciplinary arts to challenge perspectives, create raw and ambitious work and take risks in the arts that are culturally resonant. I am an artist. I don’t want to fit into one box. And Roundhouse feels like the right place for me to harness my different disciplines and even learn a few new ones as I collaborate with my other talented Resident Artists.”
Emmeline, 2025/26 Resident Artist, said: “Being part of the Resident Artist programme this year has been massively transformative in my sense of feeling both grounded and supported within the industry. The opportunities we’ve been given both to grow in our artistic practices and to meet professionals has been incredible, and I’m extremely grateful to have been surrounded by a collective of incredibly talented and dedicated young musicians and writers.”
Pavel Davison, Brand & Collaborations Manager at Chilly’s, said: “Our partnership with the Roundhouse is rooted in a shared belief in the importance of investing in the next generation of creatives. As we enter our second year supporting the Resident Artist programme, we’re thrilled to welcome another inspiring cohort of artists and continue backing a programme that gives emerging talent the confidence, community and opportunity to flourish. We look forward to seeing where this year’s journey takes them.”
Many members of the new cohort have already benefitted from the Roundhouse’s youth programmes, including using the Creative Studios to hire rehearsal space, instruments and use recording equipment or performing in the final of the Roundhouse Poetry Slam. Others join the Roundhouse for the first time as Resident Artists, recognising the unique support the Roundhouse offers at this crucial stage in their journeys.
