Art Life - University for the Creative Arts

Life and ArtWork related learning in MargateGillian Wilson

Published in 2009© University for the Creative Artsand Gillian WilsonPrefaceWritten and designed byGillian WilsonPhotography by George Wilson.Location and studio shots by TonyMott, Gill Wilson and Neil Bottle.Margate in a Minute student shotssupplied by Mick Etherton.Hats Off to Margate shotsindividually credited to studentartists.Printed by DMM Ltd, WhitstableAll rights reserved.No part of this book may bereproduced or used in any retrievalsystem in any form withoutthe prior written consent of theUniversity for the Creative Arts.The author and publisher aims toensure that the information andcontent provided in this book areconsistent with current knowledge.While every effort has been madeto check information and factsincluded in this book, the publisherand author accept no responsibilityfor claims and achievementsquoted by individuals featured inthis publication.ISBN 978-0-9552363-2-7By Laurence Wood, Dean ofArt Design and Architectureat the University for theCreative ArtsI am delighted to writethis preface and start bycongratulating Gill Wilsonfor bringing this excitingproject and this publicationto you. Life and Art: workrelated learning in Margatedocuments and celebrates aninnovative approach to wideningparticipation in further andhigher education, and in cultureand the creative industries. Thisproject shows how creativityand collaboration play afundamental role in approachingurban regeneration and thebuilding of new communities.The partnership between UCAand Turner Contemporary hasreached out to develop newaudiences for the creativearts and to reveal some of thepotential career and personaldevelopment opportunities thatthe creative arts can provide.The dedication, dynamism andinventiveness of the many staffinvolved in the partnership hashad a great impact on the livesof the students, their families,relatives and friends. Thestudents, through their amazingideas and work, have made arefreshing, deep and lastingimpression on all of us and onthe many others in Margateand beyond who enjoyed theexhibitions.

ChairsatMargateLife and ArtWork related learning in MargateGillian WilsonMargatein aMinuteHats OfftoMargateLettersfromMargateA PatternforMargate

AcknowledgmentsGillian Wilson would like to thank the following for their support:Vivienne Hibberd, Head of Student Development Services,whose vision for widening participation at the University for theCreative Arts has enabled us to develop, fund and celebrate thispartnership and for her personal commitment to this project.Dr Felicity Dunworth, Project Director of Aimhigher Kent andMedway, for her support in raising the profile of the project andfor her help with funding the project and the writing of this book.The Learning and Skills Network, for their funding of the 2006-07development project and providing the opportunity for our studentsto practice their communication skills in a professional arena.Laurence Wood, Dean of Art, Design and Architecture, who hasattended every Private View and been enthusiastic, supportiveand very appreciative of the aims of the project.Everyone at Turner Contemporary, especially Karen Eslea andLucy Kirke who have organised fabulous artist talks,opportunities and activities for the students to enable them tounderstand how what we do at the University relates to theirprospective working lives.Tim Steel (2005), Laurence Wood (2006), Sue Prichard (2007),Professor Elaine Thomas (2008) and Daniel Sturgis (2009), whoopened our exhibitions, and to Victoria Pomery, Director of TurnerContemporary who has supported the opening event each year.Neil Bottle, Course Leader on the National Diploma in Art andDesign at Canterbury, who has enabled us to build the work intothe course structure.Tony Mott, Senior Lecturer and sessional tutor Sara Wicks, whohave supported the work from the very first project, workingtirelessly with the students and not being in the spotlight, despitedeserving to be.All the sessional teaching staff who have taught on the projectsover the last five years, whose expertise and experience havesupported the students’ creativity and enthusiasm.Many other unsung people from both organisations, who havecontributed in any way towards the smooth running of the courseto the installation and maintenance of the exhibitions.And lastly, but most importantly, to all the students who havetaken part over the past five years. It has been a great privilegeto work with them, they have been a constant source of joy,inspiration and occasionally frustration!Vivienne Hibberd, Head of StudentDevelopment Services at UCA, whohas supported the project as partof UCA’s widening participationinitiative.

ContentsAbout the author 4Foreword 5A Five-Year Partnership 6The Projects:Chairs at MargateMargate in a Minute0Hats Off to Margate 32Letters from Margate 44A Pattern for Margate 52The Partners:University for the Creative Arts 60Turner Contemporary 62What next? 64ContextWith the introduction of the new 14-19 Diploma in Creative& Media (in Medway in September 2008 and in Canterburyand Thanet in September 2009), practitioners will be lookingfor models of good practice which develop sustainablepartnerships with creative businesses and which helpstudents contextualise their learning. The skills the studentsdevelop will underpin their academic and creative practiceand their understanding of the application of such practicesin a vocational context. The partnership between TurnerContemporary and the University for the Creative Arts atCanterbury provides such a model.

About the authorGillian Wilson studied fora combined BA Honoursdegree in Graphic Designwith English Literature,the first person in herfamily to get a degree. Shebegan working as a graphicdesigner and ran her owndesign business for over 20years. She started teachingat the Kent Institute of Artand Design in 1997 andcompleted a Masters degreein Education in 2001.In addition to her teachingrole, Gill then took a role asa full-time Study Skills Coordinatoruntil 2007, when shewas appointed as the Accessand Outreach Co-ordinator atthe University’s Canterburycampus, continuing to teachfor two days a week.In 2007, Gill received UCATeaching and LearningResearch Funding for herwork on making employabilityand academic skills explicitthrough working practice. Gillhas worked to develop workrelated learning opportunitiesfor students to enable themto understand the importanceof communication skills inthe context of art and designpractice through her workwith Turner Contemporary.Gill shared a UCA TeachingExcellence Award with NationalDiploma Course Leader, NeilBottle for their work withTurner Contemporary in 2007.Gill was awarded a UCATeaching Fellowship in 2008 tosupport her work on studentwriting, which has formed thebasis of her current doctoralresearch which focuses on therelationship of academic writingto art and design practice inthe context of an increasinglydiverse student body.Gill is an expert on the newCreative and Media Diploma,and has been working withthe Specialist Schools andAcademies Trust and theLearning and Skills Networkin providing support forpractitioners who are planningdelivery of the new diploma.She also produces materialsGill (right) in the studio withstudent, Lauren Fordefor practitioners for educationalpublishers, Pearson. Gill isworking to develop linksbetween the AdvancedDiploma in Creative and Mediaand progression to HE and isa key member of Kent CountyCouncil’s Creative and MediaSupport Network which aims tofacilitate progression activitiesand agreements.Gill has recently been awardeda National Teaching Fellowshipfrom the Art, Design and MediaSubject Centre at the HigherEducation Academy to undertakecreative writing workshops forstudents with dyslexia.Gill believes that it is crucial for allstudents to feel that they are animportant part of our academiccommunity of practice. Thiscontinues to be central to herpractice in education.

ForewordBy Dr Felicity DunworthProject Director AimhigherKent and MedwaySometimes when ratherdifferent institutions andorganisations come together fora common purpose, somethinglike a chemical reaction happens:a spark occurs that initiatessomething truly innovativeand exciting. This is certainlythe case with the partnershipdescribed in this book.in higher education was a clearobjective and the Learningand Skills Network supportedwork that suited their aims.Turner Contemporary facilitatedlinks across the EuropeanUnion at the same time asfostering connections with localbusinesses, ensuring that theprogramme had simultaneouslocal and internationalresonance. The partners thusfound a way to adapt theircore values and concerns toa whole range of objectives.As a result they have createdsomething wonderful: a creativeengagement between manyyoung people and a local townthat involved a sense of itshistory and their connectednessto that history. It is this which,paradoxically, gives the projectvalue far beyond Kent, offering atemplate that can be adaptedto a range of local and regionalsettings.The quality of the workrepresented in this beautifulbook is of a remarkablestandard and the range isexciting. This reflects theenergy and expertise of allthose involved, includingGill Wilson, who has driventhis programme with thepassion to make young peoplesucceed that has colouredher work throughout myprofessional association withher. I have no doubt thatlives have been changedby this programme. Theyoung artists in this book areknowledgeable and confidentas well as extremely talentedand their wonderful workspeaks volumes.The University for the CreativeArts and Turner Contemporaryhave come together to createa programme that offers amodel of good practice in manyways. Part of their success hasbeen to use their partnershipas the starting point for othercollaborations. Thus theAimhigher Kent and Medwaypartnership was engagedwhere widening participationPictured left to right: Allan Griffin from the Learning and Skills Network,Dr Felicity Dunworth Project Director Aimhigher Kent and Medway,Gill Wilson UCA, Karen Eslea Head of Learning at Turner Contemporary,Laurence Wood, Dean of Art Design and Architecture UCA, Neil Bottle CourseLeader National Diploma in Art and Design at UCA Canterbury and VictoriaPomery Director Turner Contemporary at the opening of Margate in a Minute

Artwork by from Kieran Johnson from Letters from Margate

This is the story of a five-year collaborationbetween the University for the Creative Artsat Canterbury and Turner Contemporary inMargate. These two organisations sharea vision for widening participation in thearts and have worked together to provideeducational opportunities for youngstudents, many of whom may be the firstgeneration in their families to experiencefurther and higher education.A Five-Year PartnershipIt was a recognition thatstudents needed to improvetheir communication skillsthat led to the developmentof the partnership with TurnerContemporary. The University’sNational Diploma in Art andDesign courses had introducedthe Key Skills in Communicationqualification as a compulsorypart of the students’ studies in2002, in response to concernsthat underdeveloped literacyskills would be a barrier tosuccess in higher education.Although most students hadgained a GCSE in English atgrade A-C on entry, this wasnot reflected in their abilityto practice those skills in thecontext of their studio andacademic work on the course.This phenomenon was alsoacknowledged in the 14-19Curriculum and QualificationsReform final report (2004) ofthe working group chaired byMike Tomlinson. Key findingsfrom the report were thattoo few students continuedlearning beyond compulsoryschooling, young people leavingschool were not adequatelyequipped for the workplace,and that many qualificationswere not understood byemployers. The Tomlinsonreport highlighted weaknessesin school leavers in terms oftheir ability to communicate,calculate and use computers,and was critical of the amountof formal assessment studentsexperience.The Leitch Review wascommissioned ‘to considerwhat the UK’s long termambition should be fordeveloping skills in orderto maximize economicprosperity and productivityand to improve socialjustice’, Leitch advocatesskills development ascritical to these aims.‘In the 21st century,our natural resourceis our people – andtheir potential isboth untapped andvast. Skills are thekey to unlockingthat potential.’(Lord Leitch, Prosperity forall in the Global Economy:World Class Skill, 2005).

The Government EducationReforms have seen thedevelopment and introductionof the new 14-19 Diplomas.Teaching of the first five ‘linesof learning’ – which includesthe Creative and MediaDiploma – commenced inSeptember 2008.Within the Diplomas andincreasingly within thetraditional GCSE, AS andA levels, the emphasis ison the development oftransferable skills. Skillsbranded as PersonalLearning and Thinking Skills(PLTs) which encouragelearners to be independentenquirers, creative thinkers,reflective learners, teamworkers, self-managers andeffective participators, arecentral. Functional skills inEnglish, Mathematics andInformation Technology mustbe evidenced and appliedlearning – where learners canunderstand the relevanceof the work they are doingin the context of all aspectsof life – is crucial. As part ofthese educational reforms,the need to work closely withemployers and businesses isembedded within the Diplomacurriculum.The decision to introducekey skills in Communicationinto the curriculum was notreceived well by students atthe University for the CreativeArts. Many were not expectingto have to continue with tasksassociated with schoolworkand some had had negativeexperiences of the teaching ofkey skills in their schools.Turner Contemporary is avisual arts organisation thatcelebrates JMW Turner’sassociation with Margate andpromotes understanding andenjoyment of historical andcontemporary art though aprogramme of exhibitions andevents. Work is underwayto build a gallery in Margatescheduled to open in 2011.Learning is central to TurnerContemporary’s role withinthe community in Kent, andthe organisation strives toengage with local providersof education to ensure theprovision of relevant and highquality learning experiences.Karen Eslea, working with DevenPeters following on her final ideasWorking with TurnerContemporary has enabled theUniversity to offer studentsthe opportunity to practicecommunication skills in a moremeaningful way, and to developand value their communicationskills as vital to their work asartists and designers.Turner Contemporary hastaken the role of the ‘client’and live project briefs weredeveloped in partnership withUCA, which took into accountthe unit requirements of thestudents’ coursework, butalso required them to considerthe aims and objectives ofTurner Contemporary as anorganisation, within the contextof the regeneration of Margate.The student profiles in eachsection capture their ownperceptions of what they havelearned from the projects.

Headwear by Alice Macaulay, Dan Nicholson and Andrew Turner. Photo: James Butler

Reallygreat littleexhibition, fullof fantasticideas andwork. Greatobservationabout Margate– magic andtalent!from Visitors’ `book10

ChairsatMargate2-19 June 2005The first live projectthat was undertakenwas entitled Chairs atMargate 2005.Margate was the first town inEngland to place deckchairsfor its visitors on the seafront.In this project, studentswere required to explorehow a specific environmentmay have an effect on thedevelopment and outcome ofa design for a sculptural and/or functional object inspiredby the town.11

‘It wasgreat tobe givena projectthat wasmore thanjust a basiccollegeassignment.Branchingout to giveus a tasteand a senseof whatprocessesartists gothrough’Jessica Hadlowcurrently in the final yearof BA Fine Art degree atFalmouth UniversityThe brief was to design a pieceof public art in the form of a‘chair’ to occupy a location inor around the proposed TurnerContemporary building, toembody the atmosphere andphysical environment of Margate,past, present and future.As part of their research,students spent three daysexploring the town and seafront;drawing, taking photographsand collecting objects. Theyspent a day working with artistsMax Mosscrop and Alice Waltonwho spoke about about theirown practice and took studentson a tour of Margate to inspiredifferent ways of looking andgenerating visual ideas inresponse to the concept of‘place’.To contribute to theirprofessional development,students were given talks bystaff from Turner Contemporaryon how to present their workCraig Deveson (left) develops ideaswith the help of artist Max Mosscropto a gallery. The studentsthen delivered individualpresentations to a panelcomprised of their tutors andrepresentatives from TurnerContemporary.Chairs at Margate 2005featured photographs of all thechairs, together with a selectionof the most innovative andoriginal chairs created by thestudents. The exhibition wasopened by Tim Steel, Chairmanof Turner Contemporary Trust.12Lauren Neve (left) talks about her work (pictured right) to Helen Maddocksfrom Turner Contemporary

A selection of the ‘chairs’ from the exhibition13

‘One of themost helpfulparts ofthe projectwas thepresentationto the panel;it gave mevaluableinsight intothe creativeindustries,the curationof a showand theindustry’sprofessionalapproachoverall tosuch anevent’Bryony Tupper, whohas just graduated fromthe BA Hons FashionPromotion and Imagingcourse at UCA Epsom(see page 20 for profile)14

‘The Turner project wasone of the highlights ofthe two years at UCA. Ivolunteered to work withTurner Contemporary afterthe project.This was a great asset tomy UCAS application andCV. Not only did it lookgood when applying foruniversity and jobs, I alsogained a NOCN qualificationwhich improved mycommunication and keyskills when working withthe public’Ben Middlebrook, currently studying for a degree (yeartwo) in Consumer Marketing and Product Development atManchester University. Having taken a gap year during whichhe completed a two-year course in Mechanics, Ben workedas a freelance record producer and completed a qualificationin web design whilst working part-time as a customer advisorfor a building society (see page 17 for profile)15

PROFILEMartina SmithNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2005-06Martina was born in Mainz,Germany and moved toEngland when she was seven.From childhood Martina hasalways enjoyed drawing andpainting, she was alwaysencouraged by her parents topursue her dreams of beingan artist.Martina went to DaneCourt Grammar School inBroadstairs, throughout schoolshe excelled academicallyachieving top grades in herGCSEs and A-levels. StudyingFine Art was something thatMartina always wanted todo, and although she enjoyedother subjects in school, artalways came first. ‘For as longas I can remember I reallyenjoyed drawing and painting,I have memories of paintingin my dad’s studio fromwhen I was at kindergarten inGermany.’There was never any doubtthat Martina would go on tostudy Fine Art. ‘If I look backnow the National Diplomawere two of the best yearsof my education, I have suchMartina Smith at the Private View of Chairs at Margate.fond memories of the people, on producing mixed mediatutors and the things I learnt. collages. Her work exploresI also really appreciated the the way we experience naturefrankness of the tutors and their and how this is tied to theability to draw all your artistic cultural practice of constructingskills out of you and encourage landscapes as idealised images,you to push your strengths.’ she is also very interested inComing from the area she found the places where the humanthe Margate project helped her hand encroaches on the naturalto look more objectively at her landscapes.surroundings. ‘The Margate In the future Martina hopes toproject gave us an opportunity continue her art practice, andvery early on in our art education wishes to promote herself asto understand what it would an artist. She also hopes to gobe like to receive a brief from on to study for a MA in eitheran organisation such as Turner Brighton or London.Contemporary.’‘I have enjoyed the coursesMartina went on to study for which I have done. But I am alsoa BA Hons in Fine Art at UCA, really excited about the future,She has been developing and hopefully, I will be able toher art practice through her achieve my goals and fulfil mydegree and has mainly focused dream of selling my artwork.’16

PROFILEBen MiddlebrookNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2005-06Ben and Tim Steel, Chair of TheTurner Contemporary Arts Trust.Ben’s work is pictured in theforeground and below right.Ben was always interested inart and design and grew up in ahousehold where he had accessto materials and tools and beganto make links between ‘creative’and ‘functional’.Ben feels that university hasoffered much more than aformal degree. He has usedit as an opportunity to buildnetwork of like-minded friendsas sees this as a catalyst forfuture business; he feels thatacademic skills are only a smallpart of a individual’s potential.Ben’s experience at secondaryschool was generally positive,although he feels that creativeskills are not prioritised in thesecondary curriculum, andafter one year in the sixthform he decided to apply tothe National Diploma in Artand Design course. ‘AttendingUCA completely changedmy aspirations. When I’dcompleted the BTEC, mywhole approach was far moreopen. Although I am morerouted towards business andenterprise now, the imaginativeethos of UCA has greatlybenefited my business thinking;creative thinkers drive theworld forward, whether it’s infine art or banking!’Ben is currently studyingtowards a Consumer Marketing& Product Development Degreeat Manchester MetropolitanUniversity which combineshis interest in businessand the creative aspectsof product design. He stillsworks part-time at a buildingsociety to keep finance hiseducation, and this helps toreinforce his determinationto have a varied career:‘When people ask me whatprofession I want to have,the only thing I know is thatI DON’T want one! I wouldhate to have to work ‘nine-tofive’or even a have a job title.I would ideally like to have avariety of businesses in manyfields and this rather ‘fluid’approach to life is completelydown to my time at UCA forwhich I’m very grateful!’Ben’s piece was based on the wings of a seagull and included poetry by JMWTurner on the front of the piece.17

PROFILEBrenna and Mitchell ScottNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2005-0618Brenna ScottBrenna studied at CastleCommunity School, wherehe described himself as‘academically average’, buthe achieved five GCSEs atA-C grades, which enabledhim to apply to UCA tostudy for a National Diplomain Art and Design. Brennaknew he wanted to studyart a year before he finishedsecondary school, as hewas encouraged to pursue acareer in art and design.‘My feelings towards myart school experience arevery positive. I’ve had aAt the Private View of Chairs at Margate.great experience and learntmany different skills. I wasencouraged by my tutors andpushed in the right direction,and had the opportunity to meetnew and interesting individuals.’Brenna is currently studyingfor a degree in Applied andDecorative Arts at UCA inRochester. ‘I’m extremelyhappy with my studies, as I haveworked hard to get to where I am.I’m grateful to have had theopportunity to go to universityand study something which I’mpassionate about. I look forwardto graduating next year, when Ibegin to start applying for work.’‘The Margateproject was avery importantproject tome as it wasvery formal. Ilearnt aboutthe exhibitionprocess and hadthe opportunityto display mywork to thepublic, whichwas a greatexperience atsuch an earlystage in mystudies. I wasinterviewed bythe BBC, whichdeveloped myconfidence andpresentationskills.’Brenna Scott

Mitchell ScottMitchell has just completed hisBA Hons degree in Applied Artsat Middlesex University andhas just started a part time jobto earn some money while helooks at career options. ‘I wantto take it easy for a while as itsbeen a long journey, althoughI’m also hoping to do an MA ina year or two.’‘I have wanted to study artand design ever since I held apencil! My family is workingclass. I got my artistic flairfrom my grandad who was aminer. He was very talentedbut he never had the chance tostudy art so I feel very proudto have done what I have.As a child I was never a highachiever but I improved whenI went to secondary schooland this enabled me to applyfor the National Diploma in Art& Design at UCA. I loved bothfurther and higher education.It’s been a long five years butI’ve learnt so much. I just hopethat something positive cancome from my studies.Brenna and Mitchell with theirdad at the Private View of Chairsat Margate. Inset: Installing theexhibitionNeither of Brenna andMitchell’s parents wentto university but they areambitious for their sons andsupportive of their decision tofurther their studies.19

PROFILEBryony TupperNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2005-0620‘Taking part inthe Margateproject for me,was all aboutexploring andbeing able tobe very handson with myresearch. Beingpart of theproject enabledme to satisfymy hungerfor variety oftexture andcolour, helpingme to producea very realisticpiece’Bryony was always a curiousindividual and feels hereducation at school has fedpositively into her developmentas a creative person,particularly through externalprojects. She has thoroughlyenjoyed her time at art school,as she loves being surroundedby like-minded people, as thisfuels her enthusiasm and shefinds it helps to be able tobounce ideas off others.‘I am glad that I continuedwith my studies straight fromschool, as I fear that I wouldhave lost touch with mycreative skills, in order to workand survive in a day to dayjob. However looking back, itperhaps would have been awise decision for me to take adeferred year between collegelevel and university, purely totravel, to see and experiencethings around the world, whichcould progress my futurework and life skills, learningtechniques from culturesdifferent to my own.‘Bryony has just graduated,having continued her studieswith UCA at its Epsom campus,Bryony and her mother at her recentgraduation ceremonyon the BA Hons FashionPromotion and Imaging course.Neither of Bryony’s parentswent to University, althoughher mother has since beenawarded a LicentiateshipCity and Guilds award for herwork with children and youngpeople. All of Bryony’s familyencouraged her to continue herstudies into higher education,feeling that it would help her inher professional career.She is hoping to take up aposition as assistant buyerfor a fashion brand in thecity. Having specialised as astylist and photographer, shewould now like to incorporateother areas of the industryinto her professional career. Inthe current financial climate,Bryony is hoping to gainemployment, hopefully workingin an environment that willnurture her creative talents, andenable her to travel if possible.

PROFILERosie HollidayNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2005-06Rosie, pictured here with current work at the Degree Show at CanterburyWhen she was five Rosie admits that she was lazy inwanted to grow up to be an her first years at secondaryartist, ‘secondary school did its school but later managed tobest to stop me, but by about achieve eight GCSEs, one A-Ssixteen I knew I wanted to and three A-Levels. ‘It’s onlystudy it further - thanks to my now that I look back amazedmum and boyfriend, both of at how I managed to getwhom had gone to art college.’ through it all. I had strong andMy dad didn’t go to university weak points, I was terrible atbut worked hard to achieve his language and didn’t do wellposition. They were both proud at Art during GCSE, but wasthat I was going to university. better at IT and Science.’Rosie’s schooling was in her I have enjoyed being at arthome town in Kent, although school, It’s been the kind ofwhen she was younger she world I enjoy. It’s been veryspent a lot of time in hospital friendly and relaxed, full ofbut never fell behind in her creative people with similareducation. Rosie did well but minds and thoughts like mine.’‘I have justfinished mydegree inFine Art.I am pleasedI took mystudies to thenext level as Ifound it veryenjoyable,made somegreat matesand learneda lot. Now Ihope to geta job I canenjoy.’Rosie’s ‘chair’ for the exhibitionin Margate21

Above: images showing studentsworking on the projectMain image: promotional image byTaz ThomesMargatein aMinute26 April – 12 May 2006The Margate in a Minuteproject brief askedstudents to work in teamsto create a one-minuteanimated film in responseto Margate.As part of their research,students spent two daysexploring the town andseafront; drawing, takingphotographs, recordingsounds and collectingobjects.23

Above: Students working the in studio.Top left: Film stills by Amy Prescott, Katie Woodward and Elena KoudsoudasMiddle left: Students at work on the projectBottom left: Film stills by Simon Day, Joe Brocklehurst, Tom Ferguson andOllie SapsfordThey talked to Karen Eslea,Head of Learning at TurnerContemporary, about theregeneration of Margate andvisited ARRIVALS>LATVIA atthe Substation Project Space.A short film by Latvian artistGirts Korps was part of theseries ARRIVALS>NEWART FROM THE EU; acollaboration between TurnerContemporary and ModernArt Oxford, introducing thework of artists from theexpanded European Union.As part of the project, thestudents had to discuss andnegotiate the outcome of theirfilms in teams, make a formalpresentation of their ideas toTurner Contemporary, writea statement to support theirwork as part of the exhibitionand produce a comprehensiveevaluation of the whole process.The project was part-fundedby the Learning and SkillsNetwork (LSN), as one of theirdevelopment projects to embedessential communication skillsinto work-related practices.The aim was to demonstrateto students the importanceof acquiring these skills aspart of their professionaldevelopment.Kiri (with hat) on location inMargate researching with friends.‘I very muchenjoyedparticipatingin the TurnerContemporaryproject.It helped meto understandhow thedesign worldworks andalso gave meexperienceon a liveproject withdeadlines andexpectations,just like itwould beif I were aprofessionaldesigner.’Kiri Robertson, currently inthe second year of a BA Honsdegree Graphic Design atUCA Maidstone25

Above: a worksheet from the projectLeft: film stills by Ricky Hamilton, Meltem Ozyurt and Mike BrewinThe findings from the projectcontributed to the production ofa teaching and learning resourcefor national disseminationby the LSN, in the form of aDVD documenting the project.Students from the Universitywere invited to present at theLSN Development ProjectsDissemination Conferencein London, gaining furtherexperience of speaking in aprofessional context.The project was separatelyfunded by Aimhigher Kent& Medway and Margatefilmmakers, Chris Cordelland Mick Etherton fromBeeping Bush, worked withthe University for the CreativeArts to produce the film. Theirinput to the project and theirinteraction with students duringfilming further enhanced thestudents’ understanding ofprofessional practice.The exhibition, which tookplace at the University forthe Creative Arts’ Canterburycampus, documented thedesign process, as well asshowing the final eighteenshort films, and was formallyopened by the Head of College,Laurence Wood. There wasalso a special screening of thefilms at the Substation ProjectSpace in Margate.The success of the project, interms of student achievementand engagement, wassignificant. Attendanceimproved over the durationof the project and the gradesachieved for the unit assessedwere high. Students hadbeen euphoric at the PrivateView and almost all wrotecomprehensive and high-qualitypost-project reports. In theprevious year only three percent of the students had beenproducing key skills work atLevel 3 (most were working atLevel 2), but the project reportsof twenty per cent of thecohort involved in the project,were assessed at Level 3.Chris Pollard at the specialscreening of Margate in a Minute‘Theexhibitiontaughtme theimportanceof producingwork to ahigh level. Itis somethingI am proudof, haveused in mycreativeCV and willcontinue toremember’Christopher Pollard,currently in the secondyear of a BA Hons degreein Fashion Promotion andImaging at UCA, Epsom. Hehas also secured holiday workas part of a design team forSuper Super magazine in SaoPaulo, Brazil.27

28The Margateproject in allfairness was themost enjoyableproject I took partin. It definitelyinfluenced mycareer - it taughtme to never giveup, even whenwe were runninglow on moraleand ideas, just tostick with it andride it out to getthe best results.It also taught methat I can speakin front of largegroups; peoplefrom governingbodies and peoplein the industry,clearly and calmlywhich I wassecretly not sure Icould do.’Grant Waters who wasone of the students whopresented the outcomesof the Learning and SkillsNetwork (LSN) and AimhigherKent and Medway project onembedding key skills in workrelatedlearning to the LSNDissemination Conferencein London.PROFILEGrant WatersNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Grant describes himself as a‘pretty straightforward, easygoingperson with a desireto become someone.’ Hehas known from the timehe took his GCSEs that hewanted to pursue a career inart and design. He did wellthroughout his school life andworked to achieve the highestgrades possible at college inSittingbourne and at UCA.‘I really enjoyed my two yearsat UCA Canterbury, I made alot of friends and contacts thathave helped me to where I amnow and I am grateful to themfor that. The components ofthe course are very broad andthat’s why I really enjoyed thecourse as it gave an insight intoall avenues in design, and thetrips were amazing times too, Iwill never forget them.’Grant’s parents weresupportive of him going touniversity although neither ofthem had studied at degreelevel. After six weeks studyingat university Grant felt he hadchosen the wrong degreecourse and after spending fivemonths looking for work, hefound a post through a friend.Grant is now in charge ofDesign and Production atCorporate Image Media inMaidstone, a medium-sizepublishing company. Granthas sole charge of designingadverts for clients, through topage design and layout, liaisingwith printers and managing hisproduction team.He described his aspirations forthe future: ‘My goal is to workup to a massive publishinghouse in London and branchoff maybe to Dubai, Californiaor New York to work abroad fora year or two. I have a greatnetwork of family and friendsbehind me. After my nan diedthis year it made me realisethat life’s too short and nevergive up ever! I am just enjoyingeverything at the momentand am excited as to what thefuture has for me.’

PROFILEEmma HallNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Emma had many differentaspirations for the future duringher secondary education atChaucer Technology School inCanterbury. She thinks that shedecided that art and design wasgoing to be her career choicewhen she was about fourteen.Her decision was partly basedon the fact that she didn’t doas well in her exams as shehoped, or was predicted, asshe had a tendency to panic.She found this disappointingas she was always in thetop classes. ‘I think that wasanother reason I chose to stickwith Art and Design, because Iknew there wouldn’t be exams,so less chance of me muckingup the end result!’Emma attended the UCASummer School beforeshe started studying at theUniversity in 2005. Shehas found her time at UCAthoroughly enjoyable, andfeels that she has learned a lotand been well-supported. Herinvolvement in the Margate ina Minute project helped her todevelop team-working skills,and brought ‘a professionalelement’ to her work,particularly the need to work todeadlines.Emma has just finished hersecond year of the BA Honscourse in Illustration at UCA’sMaidstone campus. Shesays ‘I am feeling it’s all goneso quickly and soon I’ll begraduating which is scary! Ihave been enjoying my courseat Maidstone though. I hopeto have a good third yearEmma, pictured here at theFurther Education Show atCanterbury in June 2008and graduate with a 2:1(hopefully!) and then maybego into freelance illustrationwork. I understand its hardgetting work freelancing,but I am hopeful and if not,I hope to do something art/design related.’Emma’s parents did not goto university themselves, butthey are pleased and proudthat Emma is working hardfor her future.Below: A set of stills from Emma’s film, working with Taz Thomas, Sara Burgess and Katy Jones29

PROFILEJessica DempseyNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07‘The Margateproject wasmy favouriteassignmenton the BTEC.It changedmy opinionof Margateas a townand I haveused Margateas a subjectmatter formy artworksince.’Jess attended King Ethelbert’sSchool in Birchington. Atprimary school she didn’t feelshe did particularly well inacademic subjects, althoughshe always enjoyed creativesubjects like Art and Music,but when she began hersecondary education at KingEthelbert’s School she realisedher full potential, and in Year11 she achieved the highestGCSE results in her year. ‘Thebest thing I learnt at schoolwas the importance of workinghard to achieve your goals, so Isee my school experience as apositive one.’Jess is now studying for a BAHons degree in Fine Art atUCA Canterbury. Neither ofher parents went to universitybut they are really happy thatJess has decided to furtherher studies and are extremelysupportive.‘I have really enjoyed my timeat art school. I am finding mydegree quite challenging, butI still really enjoy studying acreative subject and have a lotof fun. I’m focussing on mylast year at university and hopeto leave with the best resultsthat I can.’30A set of stills from the film which Jess produced, working with MarcusGilham, Katy Duncan and Kat Healy

PROFILEAshley EagleNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Ashley has wanted to study artand design as a career sincehe was at primary school. Hisparents did not choose to go touniversity, but they are happyfor Ashley to further his studies.Ashley studied at Herne Bay HighSchool, and he enjoyed his timethere. He feels that he did quitewell there: ‘although I wasn’t thecleverest, I made up for it witheffort and perseverance.’Ashley loves his work at UCACanterbury, where he is studyingfor a BA Hons degree in FineArt. He is not sure what thefuture may hold but is just happyto be enjoying his studies.‘I enjoyedthe Margateproject. It wassomethingdifferent andit has ledme to do aconsiderableamount ofdigital work.’A set of stills from Ashley’s film, a collaboration with Scott Dessert andZoe Liang31

‘It was amazing to havemy work as part ofan exhibition. I foundworking to the briefexciting because Icould see everybody’sinterpretations of aproject which pushedideas and techniques.’Robbie Downs~Levene,currently studying in the firstyear of a BA Hons Fine Artat Norwich School of Art,specialising in New Media andPainting.32

Hats OfftoMargate19 April -10 June 2007On this occasion thestudents were asked toexplore textiles and fashioninspired by architecturalinfluences, workingthrough a series of ideasgeneratingactivities, usinga wide range of materialsand different formats.Following extensive research,students developed theirideas by drawing, collage andpaper manipulation, whichwere realised in a variety ofthree dimensional materialsto embody the atmosphereand architectural environmentof Margate past, present andfuture.Working in teams, theultimate aim was to createexciting designs for an itemof ‘Extraordinary Headwear’.33

34‘I found thisproject mostenjoyable,incorporatingtechniquesand processesI’d learntthroughoutmy time atUCA. Havingour pieceshowcasedmeant weworkedexceptionallyhard toensure ourstandardswereexceeded.Tutors wereextremelysupportive ofour creativedecisions.’Katie Flisher currentlystudying in the first year of aBA Hons in Fine Art at UCACanterburyJess Avery ‘makes up’ for the photoshootThe students spent two days The work was exhibited atresearching in Margate and the Droit House in Margatetalked to Lucy Kirke, Audience and featured black and whiteDevelopment Assistant at prints of the final works,Turner Contemporary, about some of the original creationsthe town’s regeneration. Nick and work from the designDermott, Conservation Architect process.at Thanet District Council gave A set of postcards from thethe students a short talk about exhibition were produced,the architecture of Margate. and went on sale to theAs in the previous projects, public as well as providingstudents had to further develop the photography studentstheir communication skills with additional work for theirto support their professional portfolios. The exhibition waspractice. They also worked with so well received that a requestphotography students in the ND was made by Kent Countysecond year and Foundation Council to show the exhibitionDiploma on a photo shoot, to at County Hall, Maidstone incapture images for the exhibition. November of the same year.

Headwear by Anna Taylor, Charotte Turner and Steve WilkinsonPhoto: Luke Rumbelow‘For me, I wasinspired by theproject titleitself ‘Hats offto Margate’- maybe itshould havebeen ‘Hats Offto Turner’.I feel that it’swonderfulto restoreand updateMargate.My influencescame from themagic Margateonce had, so Ihope it can rediscoverthatmagic againthrough TurnerContemporary.’Steven Wilkinson currentlystudying in the first year fora BA Hons in DocumentaryPhotography at the University ofWales.35

36Top: Worksheets showed thearchitectural influences and thedevelopment of structures for theheadwear.Above: Artists and their guestswere requested to wear black andwhite, the theme of the show.Sue Prichard, Curator ofContemporary Textiles at the V&AThe Hats Off to Margateexhibition was opened bySue Prichard, Curator ofContemporary Textiles at theVictoria and Albert Museum.In her opening speech Suerevealed that she dropped outof school during her ‘A’ levels,and reinforced to the studentsthe value of qualifications suchas National Diploma, whichhad not been available to herat the time.

PROFILEMike HealyNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Headwear by Archie Fitzgerald,Leah Fisher and Mike Healy.Photo: James ButlerMike went to Barton CourtGrammar School and foundthe pressure to succeedacademically incompatible withhis personality. He dropped outduring his A Level course, anddecided to apply to UCA. Hequickly compiled a portfolio andwas accepted on to the NationalDiploma course.‘It took about a year to get intothe arts school mode of thinking,and as I was a latecomer, ittook a while to make friends,but I realised it was the rightenvironment for me. Thingswere relaxed, and it helpedme to concentrate… so I wasproducing more work than I didat school. I was much happier.Art is my life now, I’m reallyenjoying my studies. The strangething is that I think the art schoolexperience has made me moreinterested in the subjects Iwasn’t interested in at school.’Mike has just finished the firstyear of his degree course in FineArt at Norwich, and has donewell. ‘Now I am looking forwardto next year, when I will try andpush myself harder.’It showedme a moreprofessionalapproach to art.It was a whileago and I’velearned somuch since andalthough I’mhappy with mywork then, butI’d like to goback and putmore effort andthought intoit. Nonethelessit was a goodexperience,working in agroup, workingsculpturally,being partof a photoshoot, workingwith TurnerContemporary –are all extremelyvaluable thingsthat haveundoubtedlypushed my workfurther.37

PROFILEAbi ClitheroeNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-0738‘I loved the HatsOff to Margateproject. Itshowed me whatit was like to putan exhibitiontogether and Iloved the feelingof working reallyhard and seeingother people’sreactions.If anything I thinkthe project mademe focus on thestyle of career Iwant. It showedme I would liketo do my ownpersonal projectsas well as maybeworking for abigger companyas a teammember.’Abi ClitheroeAbi attended both the Easterand Summer Schools beforecoming to UCA, having wantedto study art since she wasten years old. She attendedEllington School for Girls inRamsgate and loved it.‘I did rather well! Got theGCSEs I needed and an awardfor the most progress in thefive years of being there. Neverreally clever, I had to work hardat English and had an extratutor for English all the waythrough school.’Abi models her group’s creation,work by Abi, Becky Stearn andDominic Woods. Photo: Jenna HanksAbi loves university, althoughshe says it involves a lot of workand is ‘a big jump in life.’Abi has just completed the firstyear of the BA Fashion andTextiles course at MiddlesexUniversity, and also works as awaitress to pay her way throughuniversity. She described howshe feels about her studies atthis stage of the course:‘I think I might have picked thewrong course, I’m not muchinto fashion and I find it hardto do, but I love Middlesex andI’m going to stick at it for thelast two years. I love textileswith a passion and I’m goinginto construct next year. Thatmeans studying weave andknit, two things I’ve not donebefore starting uni. I’m justhoping I leave with a gooddegree and I’m hoping to do aMasters in Weave and Colour.’

Headwear by Ellie Davidson (pictured), Kate Everett and Katie Flisher.Photo above: Aaron Dixon39

‘Art school has definitely directed my ideasforward; attending UCA showed me thetypes of opportunities available and newtypes of people too. I am thankful for havingattended art school, it was the perfect placeto hone my skills and find out what I wantedto do.’40Headwear and photo: Robbie Downs-Levene

PROFILERobbie Downs~LeveneNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Robbie’s primary school lifewas on the borders of London.After failing the eleven plus, hestudied at a local comprehensiveschool in Bexleyheath.‘I do not think I did well atschool. I was lucky enough torealise around the time of myGCSEs that I had done almostnothing and could changethe situation if I really wantedto. Compared to most of myyear I did relatively well butwanted more from life andmost probably education. Icouldn’t say I hated school. Myperception and understandingwas good but the environmentdid not always reflect this andmy skills were not fully realised.’Robbie gained the grades heneeded to study A-levels at agrammar school in Medway, buthe did not feel that this was rightfor him at the time and left toattend college; but the problemsapparent before still existed.When he realised that therewere courses specifically for artand design, he decided to applyto the National Diploma courseRobbie (right) pictured here working as a student ambassador with astudent from a local school. During a week-long UCA workshop at theHorsebridge in Whitstable, the whole project was replicated for schools.at Canterbury and attended theUCA Easter School before thestart of the course.Robbie feels that the Margateproject happened at a stagewhen he didn’t realise itsimportance, but he felt thechance to show work and havea private view in a professionalenvironment was great.Robbie is currently studyingfor a BA Hons in Fine Art atNorwich University College ofthe Arts. ‘I honestly feel likethis course is perfect forme, I couldn’t imagine doinganything else with myself atpresent. I have never wantedto learn more than I donow, more reading, writing,recording than I could havehoped to have motivation for.Neither of Robbie’s parentswent to university, but Robbiethinks they are both quite happythat he is studying somethingthat he enjoys. ‘University hasbecome quite an achievementfor me in their eyes.’41

PROFILECarla NicolsonNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07‘The Margate project definitelytaught me a lot in terms of beingprofessional. It’s quite somethingto be an inexperienced studentexhibiting your work and having aprivate view, everyone dressed upand mingling with local artists - itwas a real confidence booster.It taught me as well as otherthings that presentation andnetworking is the key, and helpedsoften the hard line betweenstudent and artist.’42

Carla was moved around alot as a young child so hereducation was quite disrupteduntil she was about eight,when she was settled properlyin one area and stayed until shefinished school.She attended secondary schoolin Whitstable, joining shortlyafter year eight, when her firstsecondary school failed itsOfsted inspection.‘I always enjoyed school,never had any problems going,preferred it to being at homemost of the time! I was neverat the top or bottom of myclass through school, though Ineeded extra English lessonswhen I was younger. The onlytime my grades really stoodout was in year nine when Imanaged to get the highestmark in the year for French, REand English. Other than that Iwas always about average.’‘The best thing I ever did wasattend the University for theCreative Arts at Canterbury.I studied a BTEC NationalDiploma in Art and Design andthe course really opened myeyes. Through my time at UCAI was assisted greatly in findingmy artistic strengths anddirections in which I could takethem. I wasn’t aware of thesheer magnitude of the artworld before I joined, I feelthe course gave me morethan I hoped to gain from it.’Carla is now at UCARochester, studyinga BA Hons degree inSilversmithing, Goldsmithingand Jewellery. She has justfinished her first year andhopes to gain some businessexperience with a craft stallover the summer.‘My studies and results aremore important to me nowthan they have ever beenbefore. When I finish mycourse I will be in the bigwide world without a tutorto turn to so if I don’t workhard enough and preparemyself for it now I’ll bestruggling later.I hope to get even moreinvolved in silversmithingand jewellery. I want to geta good knowledge of thehistory, current artists andto visit exhibitions. I intendto gain experience throughcraft stalls and shop workso I’ve a better chance atbeing independent and selfemployedwhen I finish mystudies.’43

LettersfromMargate10-27 April 2008Above: work by Sarah Dimech, main photo work by Nicole WongThis was arguably oneof the most demandingprojects requiring thestudents to think laterally,working in small groups toproduce creative responsesto words describingMargate.The 2008 cohort of first yearstudents BTEC NationalDiploma Art & Design at theUniversity for the CreativeArts were asked to talk toMargate residents abouttheir views of the town. Theirresponses would be theinspiration for new piecesof work to be displayedin the public realm. Theproject again formed partof the students’ assessedcoursework for the Diplomaas well as contributingtowards their skills for lifeportfolio.45

A selection of students’ work from the exhibition showing the diversity of theresponses: far left Toni Burns; bottom left Cat Sharpe; left Craig Scott; andabove Rebecca Truscott-ElvesThe students were briefedby Lucy Kirke, AudienceDevelopment Assistant atTurner Contemporary, aboutthe regeneration of Margateand the role of the organisation.They then researched thepast, present and future ofMargate through interviewinglocal people and creatingsketch books of drawings andphotographs of the area. Thestudents met residents in theamusement arcades, MargateMuseum, Margate’s OldTown, Arlington House and theWalpole Bay Hotel and askedthem what it is like to live inMargate, the changes theyhave seen over the years andwhat they would like to see inthe future.The Letters from Margateexhibition was the culminationof this work and was shownat the Canterbury campus ofthe University for the CreativeArts, as well as The Galleryon the Square and emptyshop windows in Regal Walk,a covered shopping area inMargate.The work continued to buildupon previous work to embedessential communicationand employability skills intowork-related practices. Thisdemonstrated to studentsthe importance of acquiringthese skills as part of theirprofessional development andto encourage their progressionto higher education.‘The Margateprojecthas beenbeneficial inmany ways.The insightI have gotfrom havingmy firstexhibition wasexhilarating.I can’t waituntil my nextone! Alsohaving a briefwith a REALclient wasinterestingand mademe want todo well andput moreeffort in. Iloved the factthat I had tohave a clientmeeting!’Bex Scott currently justcompleted the second yearof the National DiplomaCourse and planning to go tostudy Fashion Atelier at UCARochester47

PROFILERowan TippingNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Rowan lived abroad in hisearly life, but moved back toEngland when he was seven.His first secondary schoolwas Dover College, thenSt Edmund’s. Rowan neverreally liked school and didn’tconsider himself to be very‘Art school islike nothingelse. It’sbeen brilliantand I wouldrecommendit to anyonewho’s evenslightlycreative.’academic, although he achievedseven GCSEs.Rowan has wanted to study artand design for a long time as hecomes from avery creative family. His Dadwent to university to studyZoology, and although hisparents are pleased for him togo to university, they don’t thinkhe’s ready to leave home yet.Rowan has been offered a placeon the Fine Art degree course atUCA, but he may decide to deferfor a year. Rowan feels he hascome a long way over the pastfew years, but he’s still unsureabout what he wants to do withhis life. For now he just hopethat something comes alongand he’s in the right place at theright time.The Margateproject wasgood fun andhad a lot ofdepth to itand I enjoyedworkingwith Warren(a fellowstudent) ashe was veryprofessional’48Rowan and Warren’s exhibition piece for Letters from Margate

PROFILEWarren MartinNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07‘My two years at UCA have beenthe best two years of my life,allowing me to develop and growinto my own person in a warmand friendly environment. I havealways had the utmost respectfor the art tutors at UCA becausethey have experience andWarren always wanted to knowledge of being professionalstudy art and design, and his artists or designers.’mother always encouraged Warren’s parents didn’t go tohim to be creative. He went to university, but they are really,Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar really proud that he has beenSchool in Faversham, where he offered a place. Warren will begot really good grades for his studying a BA in Metalwork andGCSEs. He was unhappy about Jewellery Design at Sheffieldthe emphasis on academic Hallam University in September.achievement to the detriment He has ambitions to get a firstof creativity, and left school at degree level and exhibit atduring year 12 and enrolled on the New Designers in 2012, andthe National Diploma in Art and to be the kind of designer thatDesign at UCA.other students will aspire to be.‘It was interestinghaving to takethe public intoaccount in theMargate projectwhilst makingdecisions aboutour work.Teamworking isa great way ofdeveloping ideas,especially if youare working withsomeone whois at a similarlevel to yourself,bouncing ideasoff of one anotherto create a strongoutcome. As adesigner youwill have to, atsome stage workin a team andyou always needthe knowledgeand experiencedskills of others.’49

PROFILEEmily HoughtonNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Emily’s dad studied atuniversity whilst serving anapprenticeship to study asa building surveyor. Emily’sparents are proud that she isgoing to university but areconcerned as to whether itwill lead to a career.The background imageshows Emily and Suzie’sfinal piece forLetters from Margate‘I enjoyed the Margate project because I hadvisited there as a child. I now have an addedinterest if anything new and interestinghappens in Margate. Suzie and I wouldusually have a sunny outlook on everythingbut as the project was set in the winter, ourwork had a moody feel to it. I enjoyed thewhole process, from coming up with the ideato seeing the final product; it was my maininfluence for studying Fashion Management.’50

Emily went to mainstreamschools although she hasa hearing impairment. Hersecondary education was atSt. George’s Middle Schooland then Minster Collegewhere Emily did well. She wasalso a member of the NationalAcademy for Gifted and TalentedYouth, along with her Margateproject partner Suzie Irving.Emily chose to study art anddesign as a career optionafter choosing to studyTextiles at GCSE and for aNational Certificate in Design.Emily felt she knew whatto expect at UCA althoughshe still attended a SummerSchool, so that she could getto know the university andthe tutors. The experiencealso confirmed her decisionto select UCA as the nextstep in her education. Emilyhas enjoyed her time at UCA,although there is a lot ofpressure, at least there are noexams.Emily is going on to studyfor a BA Hons in FashionManagement at UCA Rochester.She is enjoying her studies andlooking forward to becomingpractised in her chosen area andhaving an exciting career ahead.PROFILESuzie IrvingNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Suzie has wanted to study artand design since her GCSEs:‘I think I chose textiles as anoption mainly because I likedhow it sounded in the booklet,I had enjoyed art lessonsbefore, but had never thoughtabout studying it full time,I always assumed I woulddo A levels.’ Suzie’s parentsdidn’t go to university straightfrom school although hermother studied with the OpenUniversity as a mature student.Despite being in the higherclasses and getting goodgrades at school in Minster,Suzie chose to leave and studyat UCA, having attended aSummer School in 2006.‘I have enjoyed it immenselyand am very glad I chose thispath rather than typical A levels.’Suzie is going on to studyFashion Atelier at UCARochester and is lookingforward to starting the course.‘I have one eye on the future,but I also plan to live for themoment and see where thecourse takes me.’Suzie Irving and Emily Houghton‘I enjoyedthe Margateproject,working withone of my bestfriends doingsomethingwe were bothinterested in.I know somepartnershipshave disagreements,but we workedvery well as ateam and feelit proved howpassionatewe both wereabout thedirection wetook the work.’51

A PatternforMargate30 April - 1 May 2009This year will not onlycelebrate five years ofworking in partnershipwith Turner Contemporarybut has also seen thebuilding work commenceon the new gallerybuilding in Margate.The work produced bycurrent first year NationalDiploma students focusedon surface pattern inspiredby the past, present andfuture of Margate. Theexhibition A Pattern forMargate was shown in Mayin Droit House.This project was stronglylinked to Superabundant:A Celebration of Pattern,an exhibition at the TurnerContemporary Project Spacein winter 2009.53

54Daniel Sturgis, Personal Vista, 2009Superabundant: A Celebrationof Pattern was an exhibitionof work by nine artistsexploring current approachesto pattern and surfacedecoration in contemporaryart. The exhibition was anexuberant, dynamic andplayful installation whichincluded several new works,many of which were createdspecifically for Margate.Exhibiting artist JacobDahlgren visited theUniversity during the projectto talk to students about hiswork and exhibiting artistDaniel Sturgis opened APattern for Margate students’exhibition.As part of the celebrations,there was another exhibitiondocumenting the five yearsof the project at the HerbertRead Gallery at the University’sCanterbury campus in July2009 to launch this publication.Jacob Dahlgren, Heaven is a place onearth, 2008I reallyenjoyedworking for aclient, TurnerContemporary.Generatingideas walkingaroundMargateand visitingScott’sexcited me.I was pleasedwith my finaloutcomeand enjoyedhelping to setup the galleryand exhibit mywork to myfriends andfamily. It hasinspired meto look intotextile design,as I lovedsewing andworking withfabrics’Lorna Doyle

PROFILELorna DoyleNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2008-09Lorna always loved to draw andpaint as a child, copying from oldcomics and picture books; thisinspired her to want to studyart and design. Lorna went tothe Chaucer Technology Schooland always looked forward toart and graphics lessons. Theonly subject Lorna really enjoyedwas art and she had decided tostudy at UCA in 2001 but at thelast minute she decided to jointhe army. Lorna was in the armyfor seven years and worked inand travelled to many differentplaces meeting a wide variety ofpeople. She carried on paintingand drawing through her armycareer but art took a back seat.Lorna decided to apply to UCAagain when she was in Canada,sending over a DVD of work andwas amazed to be accepted. Ittook a year to leave the armyand Lorna found it hard toleave her friends and the army future. I am not sure what Ilifestyle. Now, a year later, she want to specialise in, but I amis much happier in her career interested in textile design.’choice and has enjoyed learning Neither of her parents wentand making new friends. to university, but they have‘I enjoy being creative and always encouraged Lornabeing surrounded by my peers in her drawing and designand tutors that have the same work and are proud ofpassion. I am excited about the her achievements. Lornafuture and am looking forward is looking forward to herto attending university and second year and is exhibitingsucceeding. I have enjoyed two pieces of work in themy first year at UCA and have Horsebridge Gallery inlearnt many new skills for the Whitstable in the summer.2009.Lorna’s exhibition piece in A Pattern for Margate55

PROFILEAidan CoddNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2008-0956‘The Margateproject meanta lot to mebecause I livein Thanet andI spend timethere. It wouldbe nice tosee Margateimprovedthroughregeneration.It was areally strangefeelingknowing thatyour artworkwas in thegallery onthe pier andthe generalpublic couldview it. That,to me, wasthe mostamazingfeeling ever.’Aidan (left) assisted by Emma Brace, explains his work to Turner ContemporaryAidan knew he wanted to studyart and design since he wasa child. His mum went to theLondon College of Fashion andalthough Aidan realises thatstudying at degree level will beintense, he would love to havethe opportunity to do the same.Aidan went to King Ethelbert’sSchool in Birchington and felthe did his best there, althoughhe really only enjoyed the artlessons.Aidan has found the art collegeexperience enjoyable andchallenging and has lovedhaving the chance to makefriends with people of alldifferent ages and backgrounds.He finds his studies demandingat times, but his attitude is torespond to new ideas in orderto produce the best work hecan for each task he’s given.He realises how importantcommunication skills are andin addition to his work at UCAhe has been taking his GCSE inEnglish at an evening class.Aidan’s final piece. Aidan took alead role in installing the exhibition

PROFILEGeorgia CaseNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2008-09‘I’m happy thatI have got highgrades, but I’mworried for thefuture...I don’t think it’sanything like thatwhen you’re outof education... I’mjust looking at whatit’s going to be likeworking properly andwhat I’m going tohave to do to get it.I just hope I canimprove and makethe most out of anyopportunities thatcan help me in thefuture.’Georgia’s stunning exhibition piecefor A Pattern for MargateGeorgia has wanted to studyart and design since she wasat primary school, as she feelsit’s the only thing she has everenjoyed. She has always hadthe support from her familyto do what she wants to do.If Georgia studies at degreelevel she will be the firstperson in the family to go onto higher education. Her familyare pleased that she is goingand feel it would be a wastedopportunity if she didn’t.Georgia presents her work to herclient, Turner ContemporaryGeorgia went to theArchbishop’s School inCanterbury. She enjoyedschool life, although not all ofthe subjects. ‘I wasn’t one ofthe clever ones, but I got intothe high sets in English andMaths, which surprised mymum and I.’ She came outof her secondary educationwith what she describesas average grades. Sheattended the UCA SummerSchool before joining theNational Diploma course.She found the Patternfor Margate project quitedaunting, and she put moreeffort and thought into it. ‘Itjust made me scared whenall the design work comesdown to you, and the finalpiece should be the best ofyour work.’57

PROFILEChristian VenkatasamyNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2008-0958‘A Pattern forMargate wasspecial, notjust becausethe work wasgoing to be onpublic display,but because itwas more ofan adventurethan any ofthe otherprojects, inthat you wereexploring thearea, tryingto exposeits hiddensecrets andlooking atit from adifferentperspective,and I foundthat veryexciting.’Christian has known that hewanted to study art and designsince he took his options atGCSE. Both of his parents wentto UCA Canterbury about twentyyears ago where they first met,and they are both happy abouthim going to university.Christian attended AstorCollege for the Arts in Doverand he found it to be a mixedexperience; there were someaspects he enjoyed and othershe didn’t. He prefers theart school experience as heappreciates what he sees asthe greater opportunity to thinkfreely in a philosophical wayChristian’s presentation to TurnerContemporaryand to be allowed to be more ofan individual. ‘It’s been my firststep out into the wider worldand making choices for myself.It’s taught me to be more openminded,and I feel I have madea good choice in going to UCA.’A section from Christian’s final piece, inspired by the railway station

PROFILECharlotte LloydNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2008-09Charlotte realised she wanted environment. She wasa career in art and design intimidated by the standard ofhalf way through secondary work when she first started,school, but had always enjoyed but she has achieved goodcreative pursuits as a child. grades in her first year andCharlotte’s parents didn’t go feels more confident now. Sheto university; her mum went enjoyed the Margate project, asstraight into full time work she found Margate to be a veryafter finishing school, but her interesting place.Dad went to college to study Charlotte works part-time toMechanics.save in case she decides toCharlotte’s early schooling was go to university, and is lookingin Birmingham and she went to forward to the second year ofCanterbury High School when the National Diploma, wherethe family moved to Kent. She she thinks she may specialisedid well at school and passed in Fashion. Although herall of her GSCEs although she confidence has grown Charlottefeels she could have done wants to be more adventurousbetter. She loved school and in her work next year. Ultimatelyfeels under more pressure she has ambitions to become ain the further educationvisual display merchandiser.A section of Charlotte’s worksheet showing the development of her final pieceCharlotte presents her final piecefor exhibition‘I’m not sureabout goingto universityyet becauseof thedistance, as Iwant to go toUCA Epsom.I’m trying tofind otherways to tryand reachmy perfectjob, suchas workingmy way upthrough workexperience.59

60The PartnersUniversity for the Creative Arts – UCAThe University for the CreativeArts at Canterbury, Epsom,Farnham, Maidstone &Rochester provides inspiringcourses in art, design,architecture, media andcommunication. Formedthrough the union of The SurreyInstitute of Art & Design,University College and theKent Institute of Art & Design,it has an outstanding heritagespanning 150 years.With around 6,500 studentsenrolled on more than 80different courses, the Universityis one of the UK’s leadingproviders of specialist art anddesign education. A thriving andvibrant community of students,staff and researchers, theUniversity plays a significant rolein the creative, economic andcultural life of the UK.All the students’ work was represented in Chairs at MargateSam Giles focussed on origami pigeons for A Pattern for Margate,inspired by EscherAs a specialist organisation,the University’s purposebuiltfacilities, its expandingprogramme of researchand development, and itsgrowing range of businessand professional links are allfocused on the promotionof the creative arts. TheUniversity enables talentedindividuals to progress fromfurther education throughto undergraduate andpostgraduate study and onto employment or creativepractice. Many staff arecreative practitioners as

A section of work by Ginni Manning from the Letters from Margate exhibitionwell as academics and areactively involved in the culturalindustries. As practicing artistsand designers they bring theworkplace into the learningenvironment, enabling theUniversity to drive forwardresearch into art and designand to prepare its students forthe world of work.The University countsmany of the UK’s mostsuccessful designers, artistsand communicators amongits alumni, including suchdistinguished individualsas Tracey Emin; fashiondesigners Owen Gaster,Karen Millen, Zandra Rhodesand Nargess Gharani and VanjaStrok of Gharani Strok; graphicdesigner, Martin LambieNairn; artists, HumphreyOcean and Tacita Dean; Oscarwinninganimators, DanielGreaves, Michael Dudok deWit and Suzie Templeton;and textile designer, RogerOates. Together, thesealumni demonstrate an abilityto generate success, bothnationally and internationally.UCA is a member of theAimhigher Kent and Medwaypartnership and has played amajor role in its successful driveto widen participation in highereducation in Kent and Medway.One of the many beautifully craftedpieces, which comprised LornaDoyle’s final piece in A Pattern forMargate (see page 55)61

The PartnersTurner ContemporaryBased in Margate, TurnerContemporary is a dynamicvisual arts organisation thatpresents a wide range ofexhibitions and learningopportunities to promote theunderstanding and enjoymentof visual art. Through anexciting programme, and thedevelopment of a major newgallery, Turner Contemporaryis at the forefront ofambitious plans to revitaliseone of the country’s oldestseaside resorts. The prospectof a major new galleryis already attracting newArtist’s impression of the new gallery © David Chipperfield Architects Ltd© Turner Contemporaryinvestments, businesses andresidents to the area.The idea behind TurnerContemporary began in the1990s with the aspiration ofseveral active members ofthe community that Margateshould celebrate its links withJMW Turner. JMW Turner(1775 - 1851) was a regularvisitor to Margate throughouthis life. He often stayed in aLaura Ford, from the series Rag and Bone: New Work by Laura Ford, Margate,2007 © Turner ContemporaryMark Parry, Contemplate, 2009(Turner Contemporary Open, 2009)© Turner Contemporary62

Artist’s impression of the new gallery © David Chipperfield Architects Ltd © Turner Contemporaryguesthouse on the same sitethat the new gallery is beingbuilt. He drew inspirationfrom the surroundingcoastline and the area’sunique quality of light.Subsequent studies andconsultations demonstratedthat a new art gallery wouldnot only be a significant additionto the cultural provision inKent, but that it could actas a catalyst for the widerregeneration of Thanet and,in particular, Margate. Led byKent County Council, the projecthas the support of many keystakeholders, including ThanetDistrict Council, Arts CouncilEngland and the South EastEngland Development Agency.Visitors to Turner Contemporary Open, Margate, 2009 © Turner Contemporary63

64What next?Three hundred and fivestudents have taken partin the partnership projectbetween the University ofthe Creative Arts and TurnerContemporary over the pastfive years.Sixty-five percent of thestudents whotook part comefrom familieswho haveno previousexperience ofhigher education.UCA students research in Margatefor Letters from Margate projectLaurence Wood, Dean of Art Design and Architecture at UCA with VictoriaPomery, Director of Turner ContemporaryInformed by wideningparticipation initiatives acrossthe institution, research isunderway at the University forthe Creative Arts to developsystems to track students fromfirst point of contact, throughtheir academic career andbeyond; whether it be an openday, taster session or SummerSchool. In this way, the impactof projects such as the workin Margate in partnershipwith Turner Contemporarycan be determined. This caninform the development ofmore work to help studentsdevelop their skills for thefuture ‘to maximize economicprosperity and productivityand to improve social justice’The averageprogression ratefor the NationalDiploma in Artand Design courseat Canterbury ishigh at seventytwoper cent.Turner Contemporary is currentlyworking to develop an excitingand innovative LearningProgramme for the new gallerybuilding, scheduled to open in2011. The partnership with theUniversity for the Creative Artsat Canterbury has helped toinform future developments andwill be particularly valuable asthe partnership further developprojects for new Creative andMedia Diploma students acrossthe county.