Home | News | Art | QMC Art Students Prepare for Streets Alive Exhibition

QMC Art Students Prepare for Streets Alive Exhibition

Posted: 23rd February 2024

Queen Mary’s College is excited to announce an upcoming exhibition at the Proteus Creation Space, running from February 26th to 29th. In collaboration with the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, second-year Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Art and Design students have had the opportunity to participate in ‘Streets Alive‘, a creative project that aims to bring new life to Basingstoke town centre.

As part of their work experience placement, the students were set a live client brief where they were tasked with creating a new design for a local bench. Each student has poured their creativity into rendering exciting designs, all of which will be showcased at the exhibition. Here, local councillors, businesses, and residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favourite design. The winning creation will be painted onto the bench in spring, transforming it into a vibrant piece as part of the popular arts trail in Basingstoke.

‘Streets Alive’ has attracted contributions from some of Basingstoke’s most talented artists and storytellers. Soon, a student from The QMC School of Creative Arts will join this esteemed roster, where their work will be the only piece of student work to feature in the project.

Laura Starke, Teacher of CTEC Art and Design

Laura Starke has spearheaded this project, working directly with the Council.

“This was such a fantastic project to run with the students. They have really engaged with the brief and enjoyed doing this work experience placement immensely. It is always so hard to find purposeful placements in the creative sector and what a joy it has been to work on a project like this. The talk that Ross, Alison and Beth (from the Council) delivered was so engaging and had them all raring to go. This is such a wonderful opportunity for the students to understand what working to a live client brief entails.

With the exhibition of the design work, and the painting of the bench to come, it has been both an exciting and professional project for them all to be involved in . They have gained so much insight into community arts projects, how they run, how they are funded and how to apply for work as an independent artist. The final bench will be in the town for years to come and can be enjoyed by everyone!”

Principal, Mark Henderson:

“Working with the Council on this project has provided a great opportunity for our students to gain experience working as professional artists and also make a meaningful contribution to the community. This exhibition is the perfect event to share and celebrate their creativity together with the local residents. We hope as many people as possible can come and support such a wonderful initiative. Queen Mary’s College is delighted to be able to play a part in shaping the future of Basingstoke.”