Warrington & Vale Royal College students champion sustainability in Winsford to raise awareness within the local community
Art & Design students from Warrington & Vale Royal College recently teamed up with their Graphic Design counterparts to champion sustainability in Winsford. Students from both Warrington and Winsford campuses joined forces to raise awareness of this important issue in a digital exhibition showcased by Cine-Window, with a particular focus on: “Think global, act local”.
Cine-Window is an exhibition space located in the heart of Winsford. We have previously worked in partnership with the organisation and were delighted to be presented with the opportunity to collaborate again this year. A live project was undertaken which tasked students with the development and presentation of their initial ideas to Cine-Window for critical feedback; an excellent experience for those seeking a career in the industry. Students then set to work across a variety of mediums, with ceramic pieces being a very popular choice. All of the work was then presented digitally to local residents of Winsford via the Cine-window.
A representative from Cine-window said: “We have been delighted to work with students and staff from Warrington & Vale Royal College for a second year. The students responded with enthusiasm to the brief and have experimented with photography, motion graphics, installation and illustration to create a series of short films that explore ideas of sustainability. Cine-window Winsford is committed to providing a platform for local individuals and organisations to share their creativity, and we hope to continue this partnership with the college in the future.”
Laura Hayes, HND Graphic Design student at the college, created a campaign titled “Do Your Bite” which focused on replacing meat products with plant-based alternatives. Laura created a fresh and inviting design that encouraged passers-by to swap out their convenient, fast-food choices for a more sustainable option. Not only has the animation been exhibited by Cine-window, but it has also been used by the NHS earlier in the year to promote healthy lifestyles. Laura, who is progressing on to the University of Chester, said: “This has been a fun and insightful project that I will remember in years to come.”
Sarah Boniface, HND Applied Arts student at the college, created a completely carbon neutral project to raise awareness of the issues caused by mass-consumption. She constructed a fully immersive installation made entirely from items purchased from charity shops. Sarah was so committed to the project and the messaging behind it that she even walked to the shops as opposed to using transport! She said: “"The project stretched me as an artist and caused me to consider my artistic practice and the impact it has on the environment. I came to realise that art can give back much more than it takes, not only through natural resources, but also through creating public awareness."
Ellie Strowger, Subject Leader for Media, Games & Graphics at the college, said: “The students thoroughly enjoyed this collaborative project and produced incredibly interesting and thoughtful responses. The project allowed them to consider the meaning of sustainability and reflect on how their own actions and habits impact the world. Working in a fully digital format encouraged students to consider how movement such as animation can be used to enhance design, and effectively draw attention to the important issues raised.”
This sentiment was echoed by Ben Brady, the college’s Assistant Director: Curriculum, who said: “It was great to work with Cine-window on this collaborative exhibition. Our students were required to fully research the issues surrounding sustainability and find their own personal pathway through the project. The outcomes are thoroughly thought-provoking and captivating.”
The college wish to extend thanks to Cine-window for their continued partnership and provision of opportunities for students to work to briefs and have their work exhibited. Thanks also to the students who participated and produced such wonderful work.
If you have an interest in graphic design or an artistic flair that you’d love to explore, then a course at Warrington & Vale Royal College could be perfect for you! View the full range of creative crafts, arts and design courses on offer here: Art & Design, Fashion & Creative Crafts | Warrington & Vale Royal College (wvr.ac.uk)