Category: News & Views

News and views from our academics in the school of arts and creative industries

Inside Interiors

Associate Professor Richard Sober pens his thoughts on a busy few weeks for the  Interiors team at the School of Art & Creative Industries

“Its been quite a frenetic May for the interiors team.  First came the opening night of the degree show exhibition showcasing the final project work of the BA(Hons) Interior Design, BA(Hons) Interior Architecture and Design and BSc Innovative Home Design and Construction courses.  The show was packed with students and their families alongside lots of professionals from practice on the lookout for new talent and it was lovely to welcome back alumni who came back to recruit from the new crop of talented graduates.

Mark Southgate presenting MOBIE certificates to students

“The BScs were awarded special certificates from George Clarke’s MOBIE organisation, with whom we co-authored the course, and these were presented by Mark Southgate, the MOBIE Chief Executive. It was a fantastic celebration marking the transition from study to the world of practice.

“Early the following morning together with 6 of our students from the first and second year we embarked on an unusual design and build project for ITV.  We had 5 days to complete this before filming was due to begin the following week.  Unfortunately we can’t yet share any details of what it is, but after a meeting with the company’s production and compliance team to share ideas and concepts we hit the computers, workshops and textile and print studios.  We couldn’t include anything on set that might be subject to copyright, so everything had to be bespoke made including wallpapers, textiles, fixtures and fittings, so as soon as each element of the design was created we then frantically rushed off to construct and make it before passing it on to the student team working on the installation.

Robson Green with Interiors students
Students with Robson Green

Fortunately the producer was delighted with the result, it was an exhausting, but fun, few days which culminated in a visit from the show’s star, the actor and presenter Robson Green, who generously called in to say thank you in person to the students and invited us all to a special event that will filmed as part of the show.  Although our lips are sealed until it’s broadcast later in the year we can’t wait to see our creations appear on screen and hear what you think.

“With barely time to pack the Interiors team was on the way to London for Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW).  This is the biggest national event of the year for the Interiors profession, when everyone from the industry descends on Clerkenwell and takes over its streets, warehouses and every inch of exhibition space to show the best and newest interior products, materials and furniture, as well as network and generally be inspired.

decorative glass bricks for interior design projects
Decorative bricks at CDW

“This was the first CDW since before the pandemic and it was clear that the dominant trends are health and wellbeing, whether in commercial office design or within the home.  Especially useful for an upcoming live summer project for an NHS Mental Health Hub that some students are going to help us with. At Clerkenwell it was apparent that the pandemic has widely influenced interior design thinking for example materials with infection control and anti bacterial properties were everywhere, not surprising after the last couple of years, as were wayfinding solutions to create clear circulation routes through buildings. There was an abundance of acoustic damping materials to create calmer spaces, often subtly built into lighting, desks and furniture but alongside all these functional necessities there was still enough visual overload of colour, pattern and form to delight the senses.

“Nature and natural materials are huge trends promoting biophilic spaces, all taking care to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.  There were some incredibly innovative materials that recycle what would otherwise be landfill waste and developments in the use of fast growing timbers and seaweeds to overcome current worldwide shortages of more traditional timber and plant sourced products and finishes.

“We managed to line up some great people for next year’s course talks, bagged lots of samples for our materials library in the Interior studio and caught up with a number of past graduates who were there representing their practices.

“So heading back to Teesside on the train, tired and with aching feet I’m reminded that what I love about interiors is it never stands still, there are always new things to see, unusual projects and exciting events.  Interior design reflects whatever is happening in the world around us but creates spatial solutions for all human activity. Above all, as the last couple of weeks has certainly proved…it’s never dull!”

Interiors courses at Teesside University:

BA(Hons) Interior Design

BA(Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

BSc Innovative Home Design and Construction

MA Interior Design * subject to university approval

MA Interior Design (with Advanced Practice) * subject to university approval

 

Flashback to Fashion

Just over a week ago, final year Fashion students at Teesside University celebrated with friends, family and lecturers as their amazing creations were revealed in the Fashion Show as part of Graduate Showcase week. Here’s a flashback to the event and a review of the stunning range of garments on show.

The annual fashion show during Graduate Showcase week is the culmination of three years of studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion in the School of Arts & Creative Industries. Everything from beachwear to evening wear was on show in a parade of colourful and eyecatching outfits, to delight the audience.

Our fashion students partnered with students from Marmara University in a collaborative project, which saw an exciting range of garments as part of this year’s fashion show

Stars of the show were undoubtedly the youngsters modeling the “Waves of Wonder” beachwear collection, created by student Michelle Downing and inspired by the impact of plastic pollution and climate change. The collection focused on organic and sustainable fabrics, including recycled polyester made from ocean waste.

Sustainability was also a feature of Nick Shaw‘s creations as part of the Majesty of Nature collection, a stunning range of sophisticated creations for the social elite.

Introduced by Professor Sarah Perks, the show was held in the Student Life building and live streamed on YouTube for anyone who was unable to make it on the night. Student profiles were published in the Graduate Showcase 2022 brochure copies of which can be obtained by emailing the School of Arts & Creative Industries

For further information about studying BA (Hons) Fashion  at Teesside University, or to arrange a visit to our fashion studio facilities on campus in Middlesbrough, contact course leader Lynne Hugill

To see the full range of student collections presented on the night, watch the full show streamed on YouTube

Scatter at Saabat Gallery

Scatter is a current exhbition at the Saabat Gallery in Middlesbrough featuring a showcase of works created with artist and academic Henwar Baker as part of her PhD studies at the the School of Arts & Creative Industries, Teesside University.

Pop by the Saabat Gallery on Southbank this week to see their latest exhibition, showing until 3rd June, featuring the work of artist and PhD student Henwar Baker in collaboration with a group of women from Iraq and the Kirdish community.

Henwar at the opening of Scatter on 7th May

The exhibition, Scatter, opened on 7th May and is the culmination of a programme of workshops that were delivered over 6 weeks at Culture CIC.

Henwar collaborated with eight women from the Iraqi and Kurdish diaspora to express themselves through creativity and to explore their relationship with the Northeast of England.

A variety of artistic techniques were explored each week and the images on display at the exhibition were chosen to tell their first-hand experiences and stories.  

 

Henwar is studying for her PhD at the School of Arts & Creative Industries and more of her work can be seen on Instagram.

 

 

Henwar at the opening of the exhibition with Professor Sarah Perks from the School of Arts & Creative Industries

To find out more about upcoming exhibitions, events and programmes at Saabat Gallery, follow them on Facebook or visit their website

MIMA Great Create shortlisted finalists announced

Saturday 28th May sees the long-awaited finals of the MIMA Great Create competition and six worthy finalists will be joining us at MIMA with their family and friends for an intimate celebration and the revealing of the winner by Elinor Morgan, Artistic Director, MIMA.

The competition opened to entries on 26th March 2022 and in just over six weeks the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University received a range of highly creative entries, from music clips, illustrations, paintings, upholstery designs and photographs, to short films, origami sculptures, drawings and more. Judging began on the 10th May and our team of judges from across the creative industries have made their decisions.

Six entries were shortlised, with judges commenting on the high standard of entries

“What a treat to get to review such creative work. There were some absolutely fabulous entries!”

The six shortlisted finalists along with friends and family are joining us for an intimate finals celebration at MIMA on Saturday 28th May, where the winner will be revealed and all finalist entries will be displayed in a pop-up exhibition in the MIMA atrium. The exhibition will be available to view over the coming Platinum Jubilee extended Bank Holiday weekend for all visitors to explore. Whilst you can see a version of the shortlisted entries below (links to songs on artist’s name), we’d encourage you to come along to MIMA to experience them visually and audibly in their full glory, in the creative environment of the atrium:

Ella Miller 

I created this piece with a risograph printer to build up the rich layers of history and beauty and celebrate details that are important to me as an illustrator; we have so many local creative hubs, like MIMA and Darlington Hippodrome, that are so resourceful and full of inspiration. I also wanted to celebrate my pride in being northern with a bit of humour because who hasn’t had a giant seagull steal a chip in their life, and I certainly couldn’t live without a lemon top! From steam trains to bridges, the North East is built with strength and radiance.

Jonathan Raiseborough 

My entry, ‘Boro Skyline’ is an illustration inspired by the environment and landscape of Teesside and the different aspects of the area that represent it as a whole. The foreground nature scenery in the illustration is based on the RSPB saltholme and Seal Sands nature reserves and the heritage of the biodiversity preserved so close to the industrial areas that represent another, very different, part of the region’s identity. The illustration was drawn in fineliner, coloured in Adobe Photoshop and based on how varied, seemingly opposite, prominent elements of what makes up Middlesbrough and the region co-exist together as one.

Grace Coverdale

I  created an acrylic painting on canvas depicting a concept I  believe  is a dominant  part of my culture and region. ‘The decline of the Teesside Steelworks Industry’ as a result of postmodern technology and globalisation. This concept is  something that affected all generations in this region.
I chose a  long canvas and presented my painting  horizontally,  as you glance down  left to right, you see that the further along the canvas  the steelworks become less shows the industry has completely disappeared.

Airen Sopany

Since the theme of the competition is the heritage of North East England, I decided to recall all the memories I’ve made while studying here. Although I have yet to explore the whole of North East England, there are fond memories I have of this region. I’ve decided to commemorate my wonderful experience so I get to cherish it forever with this entry filled with my images.

Jake Beddow

I decided to write a piece of music to represent the history and current story of the Teesside region. Middlesbrough was one of the first towns to be bombed during WW2 so the first half of my track is full of trumpets and loud drums as an omage to the music played whilst armies marched towards battle. Using samples of the UKs greatest sports commentator, Middlesbrough born Chris Kamara, I attempted to capture how Teesside has evolved into a great and modern place as the track also evolves into a more modern sounding song.

NICEGUY

A song I wrote about the sneering at Teesside from those who’ve never lived here

The winning finalist will be revealed on Saturday 28th May – Good luck everyone!

2022 Graduate Showcase – a Sneak Peek!

May is the month of the Graduate Showcase in the School of Arts & Creative Industries and with just two weeks to go, we’re so excited about the incredible work that we have seen, that we just can’t help but give you a sneak peek…

P.S. Shout out to Becky Thomas, 3rd Year Graphic Design & Illustration student, for the fabulous Graduate Showcase promo artwork! 🙌

Each year, students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries submit their finest pieces of work, the culmination of three years of study, for inclusion in THE event of the year. This year’s Graduate Showcase opens on Monday 16th May and is open to anyone who wishes to come along to see the work of our students. Check out the full programme of events here.

Unlike the 2021 Degree Show which was all online, this year we’re thrilled to be opening our doors to students, families, friends, employers, schools, colleges and local organisations that wish to come along to applaud the achievements of our final year students.

A full printed programme showcasing student work will be available for visitors, along with a showcase of our film and media work on a digital platform. But you don’t have to wait – here’s a taster of what’s in store for you! For each course we’ve randomly selected just one amazing piece of work to show you, to help whet your appetite for more!

BA (Hons) Comics & Graphic Novels

Student Sophie Poole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BA (Hons) Fashion

Student Grace Goodfellow-Lovlo

 

 

 

 

 

BA (Hons) Product Design

Student Scarlett Bonas

 

 

 

BA (Hons) Graphic Design 

Student Jue Shuen Soh

 

 

 

BA (Hons) Fine Art

Student Amelia Curry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Student Lauren Bailey

 

There’s much, much more to see when we open our doors on 16th May AND watch this space for information about where to find work from students of our Music & Media Production Courses, which will be available to view on our TUxtra platform. You’ll see some incredible work from students on the following courses:

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek and look forward to welcoming you during Graduate Showcase week, 16th – 20th May.

MIMA and Me

Clare Varga talks about the decision to return to university to study for a journalism degree as a mature student and the internship opportunity this opened up for her

At the ripe old age of 35, I decided it was about time I got the degree I had been promising myself since I was 18, so I studied Media and Communications BA (Hons) degree at the School of Arts & Creative Industries.  I have always been interested in the media and the arts and after graduating I was given a really exciting opportunity to work at MIMA gallery as an intern for 3 months. I have learned a huge amount in that three months.

My role focusses on supporting the communications manager with activities both in MIMA gallery and with the School of Arts & Creative Industries.  As well as being passionate about media in of all its various forms I am an appreciator of the arts, so I feel incredibly lucky to be working in such a fantastic environment, surrounded by such creativity.

I’ve always enjoyed art. I love the way that everyone interprets works in their own individual way, and also how a piece of art can evoke such strong emotions.  I’ve really enjoyed learning about how a gallery is run and I have been working on social media plans, public relations and have been contacting the media, both local and national about events and activities going on at MIMA Gallery.

I have also been witness to the flurry of excitement and activity that goes on just before a big exhibition opening. Chemical City opened on 25th November, and in the days and weeks beforehand, MIMA was a hive of activity. This culminated in an opening night event, which I had the privilege of not only attending, but also helped at the event. Seeing the gallery change from one exhibition, to an empty space and then filled with a whole new show was fascinating. I really had no idea how much work went into staging an exhibition and that the planning takes place a year or two beforehand, there’s a lot involved in putting on an exhibition – as I have learned! I was also privileged to have a sneak peak of the exhibition with a guided tour from Helen Welford, curator at MIMA, before it was opened to the public.

Ive also been really surprised to see how involved with the community MIMA is. From schools to elders, MIMA is at the heart of Middlesbrough. The recently launched Saturday Club, for 13-16 year olds has been a roaring success and I’ve seen some of the amazing work that they have produced.

I will be sad to leave MIMA when my internship is at its end, but I will be eternally grateful to the team for allowing me to join them and learn so much about what they do, as well as utilising the skills I learned during my degree. Anyone who is thinking about a creative career path, I would 100% recommend experience in an arts and culture environment.

You can find out more about creative subjects to study at the School of Arts Creative Industries here

*** MIMA NEWS ***

New product development, who needs a designer?

Mark Beckwith, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design talks about the changing industrial design landscape. Mark teaches students on the BA Product Design in the School of Arts & Creative Industries

Changing design processes

Product / industrial designers initially conceptualise a new product that creates emotional connections with the end user. Development draws together fit, form, and function, optimising all to create the best possible solution. Designers strive to create visually appealing designs and ensure that the product is manufactured in an economic and sustainable manner, creating a product that can stand the test of time.

When I graduated in the late eighties manufacturing companies would leave industrial design to the end of the engineering lifecycle, or leave out completely often with a new product struggling to find success in consumer-driven markets.

The situation has now changed with designers involved from the initial ideas stage. Designers now must embrace several challenges, as manufacturers face more competition and faster development cycles than ever before. Consumers are becoming ever more discerning in a global market, with design and engineering teams increasingly integrated therein.

The way forward

Within manufacturing industry, there has been much discussion dedicated to the way forward for product design as a profession, especially with its power to impact corporate thinking or influence culture. Design is affecting society on previously unheard-of levels. Apple, for example, is now worth over $3 trillion and has unquestionably changed societies all over the world. And it’s no exaggeration to say that industrial design has played an enormous role in their success.

As long as people feel the need to create, build and manufacture, industrial design will remain vibrant. Just look around, there are many national and international companies that are dedicated to good design and bring awareness of them to the masses.

 

Product Design at Teesside

The Product Design course at Teesside University equips students with the skills and knowledge for careers across the design industry in roles from consultant to in-house designer, enabling employment with a wide range of employers from small independent businesses to large-scale manufacturers.

Teesside University is ranked 13th out of 71 institutions for Design & Crafts in the Guardian University Guide 2021

 

Five Minutes with Sarah Perks

Sarah Perks is a professor and Head of Department in the School of Arts & Creative Industries.

I grew up on a council estate and I was always into anything to do with the arts, from pop music to reading and watching everything. I’m not really sure that I conceived of working in any other arena. I am now a curator, academic and writer. In 2017 I was was one of Creative Review’s 50 Creative Leaders. I’ve led many major projects with international artists.

A highlight of my career was working with the filmmaker and artist David Lynch. My work is about relationships — between artists and audiences and between art forms. It is also political, about the structures at work in society, how they shape our experience, and where there is inequality because of these. I’m currently developing work on how arts can embrace social justice by combining our heritage with futures such as environmental issues, inclusion and technological advances.

Arts and culture inform our world alongside science and technology. They are part of everybody’s experience and our lives depend on creative thinking. Arts and culture enable debate and help people understand the complex and unequal world around us, and be part of designing a better one.

At the School of Arts and Creative Industries we see success as fulfilling your ambitions, whether you are a planning to design the interior of a primary school, create the logo for it, teach the children in it, or work with them to tackle poverty. If you’re thinking of applying to the School, my advice would be choose what excites you rather than what you think you should do. If you stay creative and curious about the world it will never bore you

Our courses:

 

Students Benefit From Unique Textiles Print Facilities

Vicky Graham is a Senior Technician in the School of Arts & Creative Industries. She talks here about the unique textiles print facilities and life in our school.

The textiles print facilities are unique and accessible to all students across the School, offering open access booking and specialist modules taught in the print facility. The facilities are in the beautiful grade II listed Waterhouse building with a variety of print equipment that is as impressive as the location.

The academic staff have an extensive range of skills and experience in art and design and vast teaching experience. Many of the staff work in the sector, running their own businesses. They are regularly featured in
international exhibitions and are published in magazines and books. The staff have up-to-date industry knowledge, and you can expect these experiences to shine through in their teaching. It’s such a positive and supportive environment and the campus amplifies the sense of community.

If you’re studying at the School of Arts & Creative Industries, I’d recommend taking advantage of all the additional opportunities on offer. Go to all the artist talks, exhibitions and use all the facilities. Three years will go by so fast and you don’t want to miss any of it.

Follow some of Vicky’s work on Instagram

Find out more about our BA (Hons) Fashion

 

Professor Supports Disability Representation in Animation

Renowned for his work on disability, Simon McKeown, Professor in the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University, has recently supported the Cinema of Ideas in bringing together a series of short films and talks on disability representation and accessibility in animation.

Simon was approached by Louise M. Milsom, a disabled freelance film curator, who asked if his work All for Claire could be showcased at the event. Louise has been researching the representation of physical disability in animation both on-screen and behind the camera. All for Claire is part of Louise’s Visibly Animated festival and a part of the BFI’s permanent collection.

All for Claire tells the story of Lee, a young man determined to win the heart of Claire, a young woman determined to make life difficult for him. Dancing playfully on her crutches, Claire frustrates Lee’s romantic advances, transporting him away to daunting environments where he’ll need to think on his feet if he’s to win her affections.

Simon McKeown directed the film, working with actor Lee Soar and choreographer Claire Cunningham to create a colourful motion-capture animation which was first broadcast on BBC Big Screens across Britain in 2010. Simon explores themes of power, control and rejection in the work and originally created two versions with different endings for festival audiences to choose from – ‘win’ or ‘lose’?

Visibly Animated showcases a range of animated shorts from the UK, Germany, Australia and Taiwan, all centred around disabled characters which are available to view from 24th March to 6th April