OUGD503 - Studio brief 01 - Display wizard research

Two great sources of research were the Leeds College of Art prospectus and The City Talking article on Simon Thorpe (A director at LCA). Both discuss social and cultural benefits of studying at LCA but this time from the heads of the institute. This was a good source because both resources are aiming to paint the brightest picture of LCA similar to pop up and banner stands of the brief.

The 2017 prospectus introductory pages has a welcome note from the Simone Wonnacott who is the principal of LCA, in her welcoming note she starts by naming notable alumni who have studied at LCA. In previous research I noted that alumni has a big role within the college and this is evident again within the principals words. "Leeds College of Art is one of only a few independent art schools in the UK, our students enjoy a small, close knit community in a creative atmosphere where anything feels possible. We believe this is the best environment in which to grow as an artist or designer" This quote perfectly sums up what the principal thinks of the social and cultural benefits of LCA. Another point from the principal is that there's a real life feel to studying at LCA. 'You'll have countless opportunities to learn from, network with and work for some of the best names in your chosen field, thanks to our contacts with industry and practising artists and designers' This is down to many courses having a creative skill set award I believe, which integrates you with industry.

From the article on Simon Thorpe he talks about how he reinforce the importance of collaborations, connections and integrity that students require in the world after college. “As a specialist institution we’re relatively small, and as everything we do is to prepare students for life in the creative industries, that creates its own distinct culture. Within that are individual cultures within each discipline, so the culture in fashion design is quite different to fine art or photography, but there is commonality across those cultures to bring them all together. The beauty here is that the studios and workshops are all next to each other rather than being spread across a huge campus, and the students all see each other in the cafes, so there is a strong community that supports individuality within those networks that are so important" This is a very strong point to take forward in my idea generation as Simon discuses in depth the social and cultural benefits of the university.