Surface Tension at Victorious
Aspex Gallery, in partnership with Strong Island, Victorious Festival and the University of Portsmouth developed an exciting new project for 2017/18. Working with local artists, Aspex commissioned new artworks to be exhibited as part of a creative arts trail around the site of Victorious Festival in 2017. Portsmouth artists were selected to make new work, which formed ‘creative spaces’ around the Victorious site to encourage visitors to explore and engage with the artworks. The artists were assisted by selected CCI students known as Ambassadors.
The role included: directly assisting the artist, from the generation of ideas through to the production of artwork, working alongside Aspex and Strong Island to share the artwork on social media/online, having the opportunity to attend Victorious Festival, assisting Aspex with their on-site activity, and any other supportive activites.
This was an incredible experience for me to enhance my artistic and professional practice. It was an honour to work alongside multiple creative organisations and individuals within the city.
Aspex Autumn Party -
I volunteered at Aspex Gallery from October 2016 to April 2018, almost my entire University time, as well as the longest anyone has ever volunteered there! (at the writing of this blog). As a registered charity, Aspex rely on the help of volunteers to help them achieve their aims. Aspex are committed to supporting volunteers to achieve their creative dreams, by supplying training, guidance, and support. The role includes helping to keep the gallery a welcoming, enjoyable place to visit, and learning new skills as part of a friendly and knowledgeable team.
I was also part of the volunteer team to raise funds for our Graduate Show. We held a pub quiz night with a raffle, which required arranging the venue, raffle prizes, promotional material. I helped set up our studio ready for the Graduate Show by clearing away old work, painting the walls, moving chairs, hanging work etc Overall it was a great night!
As a side note, in my first year my team came second in the Graphic Design Pub Quiz! A very fitting 'Q' was created as the medal.