Gray’s invites young people to try ‘A Week in the Life of Art School'

The interactive programme, which is free and fully funded by Gray’s School of Art and Robert Gordon University’s Access to Creative Education Scotland, has been designed to help young people transition from school to university and will offer a practical insight into the first year of study at Gray’s School of Art.

Taking place across five days from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August, the young people involved, will have the chance to try a variety of different art and design workshops led by alumni from Gray’s School of Art.

The mix of workshops cover a mix of 2D and 3D disciplines and include experimental life drawing, clay creations, textile screen printing, expressive mark making, digital design and pinhole photography.

Participants will have the have the chance to exhibit one piece of artwork created during the week as part of a ‘Mini Revel’, showcased to friends and family.

The week builds on the success of Gray’s School of Arts Guided tours, which have taken place as part of Gray’s Degree Show Week (8 – 15 June), and have given young people the chance to visit the art school and discover the stories and processes behind the student work.

Dan Allen, Dean of Gray’s School of Art, said: “Gray’s is committed to fostering enthusiasm in the arts and hope to welcome young people from across the region to join this fully funded ‘A Week in the Life of Art School’. We’re keen to widen access so that young people from all backgrounds can learn more about art school and a career in the arts.

“As a close-knit art school, Gray’s offers students a nurturing environment, supported by an outstanding community of staff, alumni, and industry partners, which combined with first-class studio facilities, means students are well equipped for careers in the creative sector. I hope that young people from across the region will come forward so that they can gain a glimpse of life at Gray’s and find out more about the options to study here.”

As part of ‘A Week in the Life of Art School’, Miriam Foy, a Contemporary Art Practice Graduate in Residence and alumni from Gray’s, will deliver a talk about her creative practice and educational journey.

Miriam who is originally from Renfrew, has led Gray’s Degree Show Young Peoples tours and says they’re a great way to help the next generation of art students.

Miriam said: “The Degree Show tours and 'A Week in the Life of Art School' encourage young people to engage with the arts and the creative industries. We’ve been able to have a conversation about their interest in art and to share different pathways of study at Gray’s. As part of the tours, we’ve been able to discuss the importance of sketchbooks and to show the young creatives examples of students work across Painting, Contemporary Art Practice, Communication Design, Fashion & Textiles, Photography as well as 3D Design in product, ceramics and jewellery. I’d encourage young people to try ‘A Week in the Life of Art School’ to find out more about what’s on offer at Gray’s.”

Young people, aged 16 – 19, can apply to join one workshop but are encouraged to join several across the week.  Workshops will run for two hours each with a lunch break.

‘A Week in the Life of Art School’ is a collaboration between, ACCESS RGU, Engage at Gray's, Mobile Art School and Look Again Aberdeen and is fully funded by Gray's School of Art and Access to Creative Education Scotland. 

Learn more: A Week in the Life of Art School | Visit Us | RGU