Big break proves golden opportunity for artistic award

Meadley's sculpture, a replica of Damien Hirst's crystal skull, was broken by art couriers who were moving a painting.

"It was quite a large canvas they were bringing through and normally just two guys do it, but on this occasion a third guy was there to direct them and he knocked the plinth over and smashed my artwork," explains Meadley.

The gallery apologised and the former student at Leeds College of Art and Design was given 1,000 compensation. "I'd never had money as a student and I thought there would be art students with great ideas who couldn't fund them, so I thought I would try to help."

He used the money to set up the Harry Meadley Prize, which goes to an art student at the college, with the winner receiving a 200 bursary to put towards their final exhibition.

"It's funny because when it first started, some people thought I'd died and that the college had set it up in my memory," he jokes.

Meadley was then approached to design the trophies for this year's Arts and Business North Awards, which go to the best examples of partnerships between culture and commerce in the north of England.

"This year, it seemed unfeasible that I could fund it again, so as soon as I was asked to get involved with the Arts and Business Awards, I jumped at the chance," he says.

The 22 year-old conceptual sculpture artist works in a clothes shop to help finance his art and believes partnerships encouraged by organisations like Arts and Business are crucial to young artists.

"It's vital, and the most important thing is it gives people belief in themselves. Becoming an artist is really daunting because you can't expect to make a living from it for a good five years, so anything that helps give you financial support is great."

The Arts and Business North Awards 2010 are being held at City Inn, Leeds, on March 23.