Connexions Salford

 Salford College Showcase at the Whitworth Art Gallery

Salford College learners, enrolled on the National Diploma in Art and Design and Interactive Media, are involved in an exciting and innovative Aimhigher project which encourages more students to consider Higher Education. Through this involvement they had the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester on Saturday 3rd May 2008. The Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester and is home to some of the UK's finest collections of art and design including modern and historic fine art, prints, textiles and a rare collection of wallpapers.

The large South Gallery which overlooks Whitworth Park made an excellent exhibition setting for the learners not only to display their work, but for the opportunity to invite guests to the private preview of their work between 12 – 2 pm. During this time guests were treated to a selection of canapés accompanied by Bucks Fizz which had been produced by the award-winning catering firm ‘The Modern Caterer’.

“The computer generated images / graphics were excellent and the selection of canapés complimented the atmosphere accordingly.”  Robert Taylor (guest)

The exhibition combined the disciplines of interactive media and fine art. Susan French and Jane Scully, guests at the preview showing, reported that “it was like walking into a professional art gallery preview” and that it “was thoroughly impressive and inspiring to see the level of work on display by the learners of Salford College”.

Learners who exhibited their work made positive comments about their experience at the gallery which included:

•  “It was a fantastic experience having the opportunity to exhibit work at the Whitworth Art Gallery which is connected with Manchester University”. Jake Kennedy

•  “It felt like I had achieved something really good”. Steven Nelson

• “I will be able to include this experience in my personal statement for UCAS later this year”. Jake Kennedy
  
  

The exhibition was held in conjunction with the IAG Innovation project whose collaborative partners include Salford College, Connexions and Aimhigher. The IAG project is aimed at providing information, advice and guidance to an identified cohort of Level 3 year 1 learners at Salford College. The project has also provided resources and support to tutors and learners to enable earlier preparation for UCAS and other higher education applications.

Finally, the collaborative partners of the IAG project including Salford College, Connexions and Aimhigher would like to say a big thank you to Aimhigher co-ordinator at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Wendy Gallagher.   Also thanks to all the staff at the Whitworth Art Gallery for all their support and involvement in making it such a memorable and worthwhile day.

Alison Taylor – Salford College