From Robert Mason, Course Leader, MA Painting and Drawing, Wimbledon School of Art

"The exhibition of work by Wimbledon School of Art, University of Gloucestershire and the Frink School at ING was judged to be a great success by both the participating students and the staff at WSA.

The central location and exhibition space created an excellent opportunity to show the work to good effect. The enthusiasm and support for ING, Discerning Eye and Parker Harris ensured the success of the project.

For most students this was their first experience of exhibiting in a corporate environment, and it opened their eyes to the possibilities of showing their work outside of the normal gallery setting.

It was a good idea to incorporate the seminar, and it was very well attended. The students enjoyed the debate and it contributed to a successful evening. It was also pleasing to see the work from the community arts project in the second show, which I am sure they enjoyed as much as we did.

On reflection I think it was unnecessary to have two opening nights, and it would have been useful for the students to meet the corporate guests. However this is a minor point. Overall is was judged to be a most enjoyable and worthwhile collaboration that provided the students with an opportunity to extend their professional practice. Certainly WSA would be enthusiastic to repeat it.

A special thanks must go to John Orbell at ING, his unstinting support and enthusiasm meant that there were no problems, and everything went as planned. His generosity in giving up so much of his time to the project was appreciated by all.

Many thanks for inviting WSA to exhibit, and we hope we can continue to collaborate in the future."

From Anita Taylor, Deputy Head, School Of Art, Media & Design, University Of Gloucestershire

"The Fine Art department of the University of Gloucestershire was delighted to participate in the exhibition held by ING in association with Arts and Business, as a New Partners scheme project.

The exhibition provided excellent opportunities for our Painting and Printmaking students, who were selected for the exhibition from our undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.

The project enabled a unique professional experience, by forming a group show with students from other institutions, which provided a rare opportunity for comparison and for shared experience between colleges and courses.

The opportunity for students from a Fine Art course based in the regions to show in London, and show their work to this new audience was invaluable.

The confidence of those involved grew throughout the venture, initially from being selected for the show, the experience of gaining external interest, and for those who sold work, further opportunities to enhance their student experience through travel or support to help them establish themselves on leaving art school were made possible.

The 'life after art school' seminar gave the students the opportunity to hear the expert view of Angela Flowers on how or how not to approach a gallery, what to expect, and to hear from the extensive experience of Anthony Green as to how to survive as an artist.

It was a tremendous venture which, for the students, stimulated the debate about the place and purpose of art beyond the safety net of the art school environment."

From Rosemary Barnett,
Director, Frink School of Sculpture

"The highlight was the seminar chaired by John Orbel. I felt it was amazing, enlightening and stimulating. It was a real treat to have people such as Anthony Green, Angela Flowers, John Orbel and Discerning Eye in the 'Chair' and students and staff from three colleges joining in. The whole exhibition was a marvellous opportunity for the three colleges to meet and learn more about each other. The venue was great, good space and good lighting and it felt good to be exhibiting in the City of London."

 

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