Students on a range of creative and visual arts courses at Gower College Swansea had a fantastic opportunity to meet with employers and artists during the second annual Design 48 showcase, which was held at the Gorseinon and Llwyn y Bryn campuses.
The idea behind Design 48 was developed by the College in partnership with Rachael Wheatley of Waters Creative.
A series of talks and practical taster sessions, Design 48 was designed to inspire learners and boost their employability skills. It also aimed to raise their aspirations and awareness of the wide range of educational and career pathways available to them within the creative industries.
At Gorseinon, the students attended talks given by a wide range of industry figures and practitioners including James Owen from Stori Cymru, fine artist Martin Robert Reed, Caroline Lane from Ffilm Cymru, and Rachael Wheatley.
At Llwyn y Bryn, learners took part in workshops with fine artist Fran Williams, illustrator and graphic designer Megan Pilcher King, furniture designer Angela Gidden MBE, photographer Will Mason Jones, and many more.
“We feel it’s really important for our students to meet with employers and artists as part of their College course so we were delighted to have so many really inspirational people back on board this year,” says Learning Area Manager for Visual Arts, Kieran Keogh. “What was especially exciting this time was to welcome back Fran and Megan, two former students of Llwyn y Bryn, who spoke so positively about their time here and who are such an inspiration to our current learners.”
“As a proud member of the Creative Industries Employer Board, we are really keen to nurture talent, identify opportunities for young people, and provide coaching and mentoring,” adds Learning Area Manager for Creative Arts, Liz Edwards. “Huge thanks to the organisations and individuals who attended the College, led on workshops and taster sessions, and provided such a positive experience for our learners.”
Design 48 contributors
Angela Gidden MBE
Bill Taylor Beales
Claire Reid
Dawn Shackley
Ffilm Cymru
Ffion Denman
Fran Williams
Fresh Creative
Jessica Grady
Megan Pilcher King
Natalie Tucker
Nightmode Studio
Rich Thair
Martin Robert Reed
Music Factory
Stori Cymru
Swansea Arena
Waters Creative
Will Mason Jones