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Artists John Beck and Matthew Cornford will discuss their long-term initiative, The Art School Project. They will be joined by Jill Vincent and Jonathan Hale who have been instrumental in the development of The Generator, a new arts space within Loughborough’s original art school building on Frederick Street.

John Beck and Matthew Cornford have set themselves an ambitious task of identifying, researching, and documenting all of the art schools across the country. In The Art Schools of the Midlands exhibition, they present a photographic survey of the forty eight art schools, or the sites upon which they stood, along with related archival material. A few are still in operation; many have been re-purposed, and some have been abandoned or demolished.

The exhibition in Martin Hall Gallery offers an opportunity to reflect on the changing nature of art education and the value of creativity and to consider what the future might hold for the development of creative minds in our schools, colleges and universities.

Jill Vincent and Jonathan Hale are part of a larger Community Interest Company who have, over a number of years, been working on the delivery of a long held vision to turn the former art school in Loughborough into a creative hub for the town with workspace, a café, a multi media arts space for live performance and a venue for exhibitions, events and celebrations. The space will open to the public in 2025.

This will be an opportunity to not only learn more about the interesting histories of art schools across the UK, but also to hear about the exciting future for Loughborough’s former art school building.

Visit The Generator Loughborough website

The talk will take place on Loughborough University’s campus. Room details will be added here in advance and emailed to attendees.

Exhibition details

The Art Schools of the Midlands

Martin Hall Gallery, Loughborough University

16 May to 28 June, 12-2pm (Monday-Friday)

The Art Schools of the Midlands event page

Website

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