Together and Change: Richmond Upon Thames College

This exhibition showcases the artwork of the Foundation Diploma students currently studying at Richmond Upon Thames College.  

Charged with producing creative content initiated through the theme of ‘Together and Change’, this diverse cohort of creative arts students addressed the brief from very different perspectives. Working over a 3-month period, an eclectic range of ideas have been conceived and subsequently realised. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach to the development of their visual language skills, the resulting work communicates ideas that focus on history, cultural identity, mortality, music, compassion and much more.   

Working collectively and individually, these burgeoning artists have developed problem-solving skills using a plethora of mediums from illustration, print making and painting to photography, ceramics, and graphic design. The work on display represents the tip of the iceberg, with many producing multiple experimental outcomes across the academic year, supported by extensive research, practical testing, guest speakers, gallery visits and critical reflection. This exhibition is the culmination of planning, hard work and creative risk taking. Most have not exhibited their work in a public space before, so this exhibition represents an opportunity to have their work viewed by a bigger audience, before entering higher education or seeking employment in the creative industry.   

About the programme 

The exhibition is part of a partnership between Richmond Arts Service and Richmond Upon Thames College. Since February, students from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course have been working with professional artists to develop their artistic practice and knowledge of becoming working artists. The students were provided with an industry brief to commission a new exhibition for the Stables Gallery as part of the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival directly responding to the festival themes ‘together and change’. This exhibition showcases the students work as part of their final major project. Students have undertaken all roles within producing the exhibition, including creating the marketing, interpretation and project management, as well as producing the artwork.