16.03.2007
Artwork from a groundbreaking partnership between University of Brighton art students and artists with learning disabilities will be launched on Friday 16 March at the Phoenix Arts Association in Brighton.
The first project of its kind in the country, 'Access to Art' was set up four years ago and brings together adults and students in a higher education setting to create art.
This year's eight artists, called The Rockets, have worked alongside art students from the university over the past year in a series of weekly workshops. The result is a fresh and personal portfolio of artwork including drawings, painting, monoprints and photographs.
One artist exhibiting her work is 27 year-old Zoe Leonard (pictured right), who created a floor to ceiling hanging canvas to celebrate her increasing autonomy: "The canvas is my favourite piece from the exhibit. I did it by myself, no one helped me and it took a long time to paint. It shows that I am very happy and I feel more independent."
Not just a passion but a business for the artists, the university helps The Rockets by giving them access to advice from other artists, professional equipment and studio space. Senior lecturer Alice Fox, who has been a driving force behind the project, explains: "This is about serious art and about people who love making art and who are good at it. Everything else comes secondary."
"The artists are in the business of making art and it's their right to do that in Brighton. They are developing their whole professional portfolio as artists, from producing art work to running art workshops, going into schools teaching children art and selling their work."
Established to address the segregation adults with learning difficulties often experience in adulthood, the project also aims to strengthen the university's links with the local community, as well as giving art students experience of working alongside community groups. Carla Furdham, 23, who is studying visual culture at the university said: "It's a lot of hard work and commitment but once you're here you know it's all worth it. It's great to see the artists finally hang their work and hopefully I'll be back again soon after I graduate to work with the artists again."
Detail from artwork by John Cull
Access to Art was set up via the university's innovative Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP), an initiative established by the university to strengthen its relationship with the local community and to tackle disadvantage. The next conference to be held by CUPP to explore shared interests with people from a variety of backgrounds and contexts and with a range of skills and expertise will take place on 28th March 2007.
The exhibition will run at the Phoenix Arts Association until April 21. For more information about the event visit www.phoenixarts.org.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
