Artivism: Four - Week Art Summer School

This year will be led by local artist Nicky Ruddick and will be focused on the theme of Artivism - exploring how art can challenge, protest and campaign for change. We’ll look at the work of radical artists from around the world and making our own artworks, learning different techniques whilst also thinking of fun ways to express ourselves!

During the four sessions, the group will explore the concept, examine its history with real examples from art history/ contemporary art and create their own protest art about subjects they are passionate about.

Session 1 - Sign of the times

Nicky will introduce you to the work of Bob and Roberta Smith who campaigns for Arts education and access for all using reclaimed materials and paint. We will look at different examples of protest signs and think about symbols, slogans, lettering, puns etc.

Participants will be taught how to sign write and will make their own signs about a subject of their choice which can be taken home at the end.

All materials are supplied but participants should wear old clothes/ bring an apron to wear.

Session 2 - All cut up

Participants will learn about the use of collage in subverting established ideals, for example, inter-war German artists John Heartfield and Hannah Hoch and feminist artists Martha Rosler and Linder. Then they will choose an issue that is meaningful to them and create a piece of collage art in response.

All materials will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring magazine or newspaper articles about things they are interested in. Please wear old clothes/ bring an apron to wear.

Session 3 - Censorship

Nicky will teach the group about the work of artists around the topic of censorship, including Ai Weiwei, Shepard Fairey and Carlos Garaicoa who have all created art about censorship in their respective countries.

Participants will create their own zine about a subject of their choice using a combination of print making, collage and drawing. All materials are provided but please wear old clothes/ bring an apron to wear.

Session 4 - The Subversive Stitch

Nicky will introduce the work of textile artists such as Mounira Al Solh, Natalie Baxter and PEG Whitstable who challenge the stereotype of textile work by females being pretty and functional.

Participants will create their own piece of textile art about a subject of their choice. Materials such as fabric, sewing materials and paint will be available but you are welcome to bring an old t-shirt to paint onto (cotton or cotton blend works best). Please wear old clothes/bring an apron.

Safeguarding policy and permission slip to be sent out to all ticket holders upon purchasing.

Please return completed permission slip to [email protected].

Studio Kind is situated at the far end of and within Barnstaple Pannier Market. During out of hours, the market can be accessed by a small wooden door from Butchers Row.

Nearest Car parks are the Cattle Market car park or Barnstaple Central. There is disabled parking on Boutport Street.

The bus station is a 5-minute walk away and the train station a 15-minute walk or bus journey of 10 minutes.

Our venue is wheelchair friendly and accessible to all. There are accessible toilets right next door.

By booking an event at Studio KIND., you agree to our cancellation policy, which states that no refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks before the event date. Refunds requested earlier will be processed minus Eventbrite booking fees. Studio KIND. reserves the right to modify or cancel events as necessary, in which case full refunds will be provided or otherwise a postponement to a later date workshop. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Studio KIND is a CIC, artist led & not for profit gallery, presenting contemporary art by local, national, emerging and established artists through exhibitions and events. Our mission is to champion contemporary art in North Devon, support the region’s growing arts community, and create inclusive opportunities for artists and audiences to engage with ambitious, innovative creative work