New voices – Student Intervention Project

This project was supported by Cornwall Museums Partnership and funded by Arts Council England. Working with students from Truro College and local artist Luke Austin the students explored the museum taking ideas and inspiration from objects on display, collections held in store and especially artwork from the Cornwall Council Schools Art Collection.  Over eight weeks they developed these ideas under the guidance of Luke and produced their own pieces of artwork.  These were displayed in the Spotlight Gallery during the Spring.  Objects from the museum’s collection were matched with the themes and displayed alongside.  Some items including African spears and some wonderful examples of scrimshaw have not been seen on public display for a long time.  It was brilliant to see their confidence and creativity grow and develop.

Nicole selected ‘The Last Days of Byzantium’, by Patrick Hayman, 1957-8 “I think that this work expresses who I am using a similar colour scheme.  I enjoyed the project, and it has inspired me to work further on my own work.  I have found it particularly interesting using a piece of art from the Schools Art Collection.”

Megan chose the Gates of the Past sculpture by Esther M. Moore (1897)

“I am interested in tattoo art.  The form of the sculpture, I have used in the middle of my piece of work to draw attention to it.  With the help of this sculpture it has helped me express my art work.”

Beth said “My art piece is inspired by “Orange and Yellow Structure, by Margaret Mellis”.  I chose this piece because I liked the use of shape and structure within this image.

I am personally interested in African items, and elephants, so I decided to put my fascination of the School Art Collection piece with interest for elephants.

Liz Shepherd – Learning and Inclusion Officer said that it was brilliant to be able to work with people of this age.  Museums have difficultly engaging with this demographic and are always looking of ways to connect.  This project gave us that opportunity and we are very excited about plans to work more closely now.  The RIC celebrates its Bicentenary in 2018 so we are planning to work together to ensure that their voices are heard and they are actively involved in programming to ensure the museum responds to audiences of the future.