Arts and Culture Editor, Ella Guy, puts together a simplified selection of the mass of visual arts opportunities available at Durham.
With so much going on at Durham all the time, and where the visual arts sometimes fly quietly under the radar, when looking for new creative opportunities, it can be difficult to know where to start, so here are a few ideas for an introduction into the visual arts scene both at John’s and in the wider university.
Durham University Arts frequently runs workshops and exhibitions, many of which are free, including activities such as cyanotype and gel printing. These events provide lots of opportunities to see artworks and explore new mediums. Or, for something closer to home, some doodling to unwind is a fabulous way to end the week, and the St John’s Art Society provides just that opportunity, open to all, including those who may never have tried painting. Held in the Tristram room every weekend, with all supplies provided, you can spend an hour of the day sketching or painting in good company – and with lots of snacks! Having been absent for a few years, the society has now been restarted and is back better than ever. After the Bailey Ball, this creative recharge session was much appreciated.
The St John’s theatre company, the Bailey Theatre Company, is one way to get involved with the visual arts in a totally different setting. Creative production team roles are open to anyone and involve designing and building the sets and costumes. This Michaelmas, treasurer Dan Bavister directed the BTC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the intercollegiate showcase, for which they embraced what he describes as ‘an ethereal, whimsical style, in traditional Midsummer fashion, that used lots of foliage elements, physical comedy, and bright, colourful costumes, with a mixture of intense colour and subtler, silvery hues.’ For newcomers, there is an immense amount to get involved in, with many shows up and coming. Although roles for set and costume are filled for the imminent Freshers’ Play production of Sherlock Holmes, next term, there will be a full play and a full musical in collaboration with John’s Music Society in Easter term. On talking about his own experience at the Bailey Theatre Company, the society’s treasurer said, ‘I couldn’t recommend it enough! I co-directed the Summer Shakespeare production as a fresher and made some wonderful friends through doing that […] These productions take a small army to put on, and everyone tends to come away with a smile on their face and a tremendous sense of pride.’ He describes the society as providing ‘a brilliant opportunity to get involved with as a creative’ and encourages all those interested to keep an eye on the Bailey Theatre Company Instagram for applications, regardless of prior experience.
The Durham Student Filmmaking Society is a fantastic way to engage with a different genre of visual arts, full of variety and fun. I went along to the 24-hour short film challenge and was struck by what a great way it was to not only try something new but also to see some new faces. As a first-year, I have yet to join many societies beyond college doors – it is easy to forget that there are more people in Durham than the 270 living in John’s. First, we were given a prompt and quickly got thinking. Although the brainstorming process took longer than expected, by the time we were finished, we were all set with a somewhat ridiculous but certainly entertaining plot line. We then headed out into the wilderness of Durham town centre and began filming. For my first rodeo as a camerawoman (with a lot of helpful instruction from our director), things went swimmingly. Our locations varied from an eerie scene in Durham Cathedral to a long shot around Tesco – the result might seem a little mish-mashed but novel nonetheless. We used the next morning to edit the footage and submit our finished version. Although I couldn’t make it to the esteemed awards ceremony, I have no doubt the event was movie magic.
Finally, for budding artists, it is worth noting that the Student Art Prize is open. On Friday 6th December, the prize launch took place at the Palatine Centre, where not only were the prizes on offer revealed, including a new film award, but the judges, the previous prize winners, and professional artists were available to speak, with the chance to try out some new artistic skills. With large cash prizes, this is an opportunity not to be overlooked!
Image Credit: Foot of the Hill Theatre Company
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