Students from the University of Worcester and Heart of Worcestershire College are working alongside internationally acclaimed artist Rob Draper on an exciting new arts project in the City.
The project, part of the Local Voices Creative Choices initiative, led by Severn Arts, involves around 40 students – 20 second-year students from the College and 20 students from the University – exploring the theme of ‘Place’ through the accessible and expressive medium of collage.
Using everyday materials and visual fragments, students will reimagine their environment and reflect on their physical, emotional, and cultural connections to Worcester. The process aims to inspire bold, public-facing expressions of identity and belonging and will culminate in a public exhibition in April.
Rob Draper is a British artist and designer who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, including The Golden Globes, Nike and Gap. He kicked off the project with an immersive launch workshop, introducing collage techniques.
“Collage is such an immediate and inclusive way to explore ideas,” he said. “This project gives students the chance to see their surroundings – and their sense of place – in completely new ways.”
Students will experiment with a wide range of materials, from paper and print to found objects and mixed media. Rob will support students in refining their work ready to exhibit at the University of Worcester’s Art House from April 16-27.
Rob added: “I’m so excited to be opening up my studio process to UoW and HoW students for the Local Voices, Creative Choices series. Together, we’ll explore what ‘place’ means to them, creating tactile works that use their unique creativity to tell their story, and I can’t wait to see how their final pieces come together and take over the University’s Art House.”
Ivan McDouall, Director of Curriculum for Creative Arts, Computing & Digital Media, Engineering and Personal Tutors at Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “Becoming a key delivery partner in the Local Voices, Creative Choices project has been an exciting opportunity to broaden our students’ creative experiences. Working with professional artists on live briefs has been central to this, and it’s wonderful to see those ambitions realised through Rob Draper’s work. Our close collaboration with the University and partners is helping place the College at the heart of Worcester’s creative community, to the benefit of current and future students.”
Mark Flisher, Head of the University’s School of Arts and Humanities, added: “This initiative is a celebration of creativity and community. It gives our students the chance to express what Worcester means to them in ways that are both personal and shared, strengthening the cultural fabric of our city through art. Collaborating with a leading artist and local partners helps them see how their creativity can make a real impact beyond the classroom.”
For more information about Local Voices Creative Choices, visit: https://www.severnarts.org.uk/local-voices-creative-choices