Artists exhibit work inspired by their University of Sunderland residencies

Artists in residence have showcased their works in progress in an exhibition inspired by their time based at the University of Sunderland.

Five practising artists based at the University were part of In Progress, an exhibition that displayed the work they have created so far during their Artists’ Access to Art Colleges (AA2A) residency within the University’s Art and Design department.

The AA2A programme has helped to facilitate artist residencies in further and higher education since 1999, giving practitioners the opportunity to use facilities and resources while enriching learning opportunities for students.

In Progress was a celebration of the work produced so far during the residencies that have given the artists the opportunity to push their creative boundaries and explore. The artists exhibited were Rachel Deakin, Lesley Guy, Harry Lawson, Sue Loughlin and Laura McCartney. Zoe Slater is also part of the AA2A programme at the University.

Lesley said: “The AA2A programme is about getting artists into art schools to be present for students. It’s been great to come to a new city and spend some time with the students. I don’t have a studio outside of my home, so having access to that space at the University has been invaluable. Being around other artists, especially so many who are at the beginning of their careers, is an exciting experience.

“During my time here, students have contributed to some of the work I’ve been doing and I’ve delivered some informal workshops, which gives them opportunities to practice and develop their own process.”

Sue said: “Doing the AA2A has enabled me to extend the scope of my practice and experiment in new ways. Evolving a new body of work within such a creative and supportive environment is a real privilege.

“Having access to the incredible skills and knowledge of the technical staff here is a game-changer. Alongside printmaking and photographic exploration, I have, through the AA2A programme, been able to develop sculptural work using glass. This would not have been possible for me outside of the university and has given a new dynamic to my practice.

“In addition to the great facilities and staff, working alongside the students has been a real pleasure, from formal talks to chance discussions in the studio, it has been refreshing to hear their perspectives on my work and support their ideas in return.”

The artwork was on display in the University’s Priestman Building on its City Campus, giving students the chance to explore its themes and inform their own creative practices.

Alongside having access to studio space at the University, artists offer their own expertise to enrich learning experiences through workshops and talks with students.

Professor Kevin Petrie, Professor of Creative Practice at the University, said: “We have worked with AA2A for many years as part of our careers and enterprise agenda. The scheme brings professional creatives at various career stages into the University so that our students can see real-world examples of how artists live, work and thrive in the creative industries.

“The scheme also offers great sessions on the practicalities of self-employment and talks on various aspects of professional practice. AA2A also has student ambassadors linked to the scheme who have supported the development of this great exhibition.”

If you are interested in studying Fine Art at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.

Find out more about Photography, Video and Digital Imaging at the University here.