Folkestone has a rich history of creativity. With the creative quarter bringing new art and imaginative ideas to the local people.
On Friday 28 November, Level 3 Art and Design students from EKC Folkestone College’s Creative and Design department had the incredible opportunity to showcase their work at their very own exhibition: Out Art, Our Place, Our Voice!
The exhibition showcased our students’ work, inspired by Folkestone’s striking Harbour Arm and artwork from the Folkestone Triennial. The gallery was open to the public offering students the unique opportunity to have their creations on display for local people to see and appreciate. The project was supported by ArtUK and Creative Folkestone.
Our artists were supported by friends, family and their lecturers who expressed their appreciation for the pieces of art, with one grandparent commenting “it’s really impressive, I feel really proud of our granddaughter”.
The idea of the exhibition was for students to have the opportunity to explore and directly respond to public art collections, allowing them to understand the full creative process and present their imaginative ideas in a public space.
Jacqui Taylor, programme director of Art and Design, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with a professional artist, Rob McDonald, and see their work on display. They worked with Rob over a few research sessions but only had today to work on their pieces, so I feel really proud of what they have produced.
“Many of the students with art on display have never had the opportunity to visit an art gallery or exhibition. It is wonderful to see how engaged they have been throughout the process.”
The students worked with local artist Rob McDonald to explore the local area, understand more about existing artworks in Folkestone and ignite new ideas from this year’s instalment of the Folkstone Triennial.
During the gallery, we were able to speak with our young artists Reece and Lilly. Reece explained: “As I went around and saw the Triennial artwork, I started to understand how everyone else sees Folkestone, so I opened my eyes up a bit more to the cool parts of the area I’ve grown up in. Seeing all the local art really inspired the work we created.
“I think the art shows that we are proud of where we study – it was great to see it all come together.”
Artist Rob McDonald was an integral part of the process, he worked with the students over 3 sessions including tours, talks and workshops helping to nurture the young artists to think creatively and investigate new concepts.
Rob said: “This project is about connecting 16–19-year-olds with public commissioned artwork. Working in a professional studio environment, in a team, and bringing their ideas to life has been a real challenge for them, but also a rewarding one. At its heart, it’s about engagement with those who might not usually connect with contemporary art.”
This was an incredible opportunity for our creative students. The exhibition was a real success and highlighted the talent, and ambition of the next generation of creative voices in Folkestone.
Our Art, Our Place, Our Voice!
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