‘AIRspace’
19-Apr-2010
Ten Artists-in-Residence showcase the benefits of a new placement scheme at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
‘AIRspace’ is a forthcoming exhibition which will reveal the latest work of ten young international jewellers and silversmiths. Each of the designer-makers has been participating in a new Artist-in-Residence placement scheme which was introduced at the start of the academic year, September 2009, by Professor Jack Cunningham, Head of School.
In exchange for a small teaching assistant input, the Artists-in-Residence benefit from access to workspace, facilities and equipment within the University building. In their own time, they are able to develop new collections of work, the highlights of which will be on show at the ‘AIRspace’ exhibition.
With so many financial pressures on new graduate designer-makers, the scheme is highly valued by those lucky enough to have been selected. Heidi Hinder, a conceptual jeweller and silversmith, commented: ‘The Artist-in-Residence placement scheme is an incredible opportunity, giving us access to the very best facilities in order to develop new work, while encouraging a creative exchange between students and new makers within the School’s vibrant atmosphere’.
The University staff have also appreciated the benefits of the placement programme. Jo Pond, Lecturer and AIR scheme co-ordinator said, ‘The Artists-in-Residence assist the academic staff on a cross-section of Modules, offering the School an engaging and direct link between academia and current practice. Having the Artists-in-Residence on board enables our students to observe the drive and commitment essential for working towards individual deadlines, whilst developing new work.’
‘AIRspace’ exhibition opens with a private view on the evening of Thursday 29th April and runs until Friday 21st May 2010 at the School of Jewellery.
The exhibition will display the work of the ten current Artists-in-Residence:
- Ryan McClean (Silversmith, UK)
- Hajime Hasegawa (Sculptural metalsmith, Japan)
- Sally Collins (Jeweller, UK)
- Tusheeta David (Jeweller, India)
- Kevin Grey (Silversmith, UK)
- Jemma Daniels (Silversmith, jeweller, UK)
- Kathryn Partington (Jeweller, UK)
- Heidi Hinder (Conceptual jeweller, silversmith, UK)
- Sangeun Kim (Jeweller, enameller, South Korea)
- Nobuko Okumura (Jeweller, Japan)
For further information about the Artist-in-Residence placement scheme, please contact Jo Pond, Lecturer and AIR Programme Co-ordinator: jo.pond@bcu.ac.uk
