Arts Practice (Connect@Northants)

One day per week.

• Regular high-profile speakers
• Practical experience in exhibition organisation
• Advice on funding and grants
• Access to a wide network of individuals and organisations working in the arts
• Encouragement and support to enable you to overcome difficulties and to share skills, cultures and backgrounds
• A stepping stone for future development
• Mentoring from established artists
  

The course is structured and delivered around four key modules.

Professional Practice, Planning and Presentation
This module prepares you for working in the visual arts and craft environment and provides you with strategies for presenting your work in a professional way. It introduces the concepts and practicalities of marketing and publicising work, together with financial management and personal presentation techniques. Initially, you will reflect on the current position of your practice and identify your learning needs as you progress through the module. You will then develop a detailed business plan or career plan. This module also introduces you to working with a mentor and to the structure of the course.

Beyond the Gallery
This module focuses on the many ways and contexts in which artists and makers operate, away from the traditional exhibition or gallery format. You will explore these alternative approaches, such as: community arts, educational contexts, working to commission, public art, artist led organisations, non gallery display and residencies. You will propose, research, develop and critically evaluate a project in one of these areas.

Exhibiting
This module is focused on the development of the aesthetic, practical and communication skills you will need when displaying craft and art work and mounting in a public gallery exhibition. You will write an artist's statement, and develop skills for displaying two and three dimensional work. You will also develop skills for photographing your work for portfolio and catalogue display. You will consider contemporary issues when producing and exhibiting your work, and work with other students to organise, design and publicise a public exhibition hosted by a major gallery in Northamptonshire. The exhibition is scheduled for October to November. The practical activity will be supported by reflection. With support from your mentor, you will finish the module by reflecting on the aesthetics of your display and the exhibition, and on your communication, marketing, publicising and advertising skills in relation to the exhibition of your work.

Reflection and Evaluation
The final module enables you to reflect upon your preparation for projects and this exhibition, and to reappraise your professional position. It is an opportunity to reflect on your learning and development through the programme. It includes evaluation of the aesthetic, economic and practical domains of professional practice in art and craft making. You will use this module to reflect on your own practice and that of other professional artists and makers.

Each module is made up of two assignments. Students will be assessed by coursework, which usually includes written assignments, presentations and an exhibition at an external venue.

Students will need to attend The University of Northampton for one day per week. At these sessions students will undertake individual and group projects, seminars, workshops, lectures and participate in regular tutorials. As with most postgraduate courses, students have a responsibility to direct their own learning and ensure that they meet academic deadlines.

Continued professional development can enhance careers for artists and other arts professionals.