Arts University Plymouth Pop Up Exhibition

Workshop SpacePast Exhibition

26 Jan

Written By Laura Wasley

26 & 27 January 2024

Workshop Space

First Floor

Research posters by 3rd year BA Hons Craft and Materials Practices students.

3rd-year BA Hons Craft and Materials Practices students at Arts University Plymouth were required in their first unit to undertake a period of concentrated research, experimentation and development.

The intention was to deconstruct preconceived ideas and work patterns, and to allow new creative formations to emerge through calculated risk taking and critical reflection. Throughout, the emphasis is on the exploration and development of concepts, media and methods, rather than resolved outcomes.

The students were tasked to create a Research Poster that summarises the key concepts, methods and references and demonstrates a sound awareness of appropriate professional contexts. They were to include reference to appropriate historical, contemporary frameworks and/or environmental issues, ethical perspectives and/or health and safety obligations where appropriate.

This unit culminates in an opportunity to ‘take over’ the workshop space, on the first floor of MAKE Southwest, to curate an exhibition of their A1 sized research posters and other outcomes. Giving the students an opportunity to curate, install and market their own mini exhibition from start to finish!

As part of the opportunity to exhibit at MAKE Southwest, the students were asked to propose lesson ideas for our Saturday Craft Club. The student with the selected lesson plan, will run (with assistance from the Education team here and some of their fellow students) a craft club session on Saturday 27th Jan, within the setting of the exhibition.

This is a great opportunity for the University students to gain teaching experience, and for the Craft Club teenagers to talk to university students about their experience of taking a formal higher education route into craft and design.