Institute of Anything - Woven Stories 2017
In Summer 2017 I planned, produced and delivered a summer school programme for young people aged 14-19 through Cubitt Education.
Woven Stories was a three-week artist-led summer school, hosted by Central St Martin’s Art College in August 2017. Accredited by Arts Award, it formed part of Cubitt Artists’ flagship young people’s programme, The Institute of Anything.
• 16 young people aged between 13 and 20 attended the 12 day programme
• 9 visiting artists and professionals delivered sessions in skills including experimental
drawing, weaving, performance poetry, ceramics, zine making, film making and
editing, leadership skills and review writing
• The group undertook two exhibition visits and took part in an informal celebration
• 12 young people gained Arts Award Silver
• 4 young people gained Arts Award Bronze
During the course, the talented cohort worked with contemporary artists including myself, to develop their practice. I programmed the entire course, comissioning a number of artists to deliver masterclass style sessions. These included Bettina Fung, who led a session in experimental drawing, and Lisa Luxx, who introduced the group to performance poetry. They took part in sessions with Central St Martin’s tutors, Stephanie Buttle and Lucie Libotte to learn skills in ceramics and weaving using the college’s facilities. In a workshop led by Sam Curtis and Mario Dellow, the group took to Chapel Market in Angel to find inspiration and materials for collaborative installations. As well as learning new skills, each young person developed a personal project based on their own interests; these ranged from a shrine to common people to a robot-inspired photography piece.
“The summer school showed me that you can take art anywhere and make it your own.” Participant
“I learnt skills in zine making, mark making, collage, ceramics and weaving.” Participant
“It was liberating!” Participant
“I just wanted to say a very big thank you for allowing my daughter to be part of your course at
Central St Martin’s this summer. She absolutely LOVED it, came home in a good mood every
day, worked every night on the projects and made a bunch of new friends.” Parent
“The young people were given a clear brief and direction, and they felt confident to explore their imaginations. A privilege to moderate. Well done!” Charles Savage, Arts Award Moderator
The programme was generously supported by Central St Martin’s College, UAL, Islington Council’s Summerversity and Launchpad programme, and Arts Award Access Fund.