The opening of COLLECT (22 - 25 February 2018) will see the unveiling of a tapestry called Thefallowfield by artist Eva Rothschild (below right) in collaboration with the Master Weavers at West Dean Tapestry Studio, the professional studio at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.
After the success of last year's Arts and Craft Festival, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is delighted to announce the 2018 Festival will run from 1-3 June.
The College will open its gates to over 5,000 visitors and 200 artists, printmakers, craftspeople and writers for the UK's definitive arts and craft festival. As well as giving the opportunity to buy exquisite hand-made crafts, the festival offers exciting live demonstrations and performances, and hands-on workshops and tours, including of the award-winning Gardens. Visitors can discover the secrets of West Dean House with its intriguing arts heritage, and view exciting new art installations by students inspired by the Collection and Archive.
100+ New Short Courses announced by West Dean College of Arts & Conservation
'Explore the changing colours, textures and shapes as Spring turns into Summer and the longer, lighter days allow more time for creativity' Alison Baxter, Head of School of Arts
Basket making to botanical drawing, photography to furniture making, the 400 (including 109 new) Spring/Summer 2018 Short Courses just released by West Dean College of Arts & Conservation have something for anyone with a desire to unlock their creative potential this year. In the beautiful surroundings of the West Sussex countryside, everybody, from complete beginner to seasoned practitioner, can learn to create, craft and grow under the tuition of expert professionals in their fields.
Internationally acclaimed artists, ceramicists and academics come together for CERAMIC PLASTICITY - a one day Symposium at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation on Friday, 26 January 2018 (11am-6pm).
West Dean College, one of the country's leading arts and conservation educators, has announced its Ten-Year Vision for growth based on increased entry points and study pathways for students and a £25 million investment in campus development and outreach.
Malcolm Archer F.B.H.I has been appointed the new Subject Leader for Clocks, and Maickel van Bellegem ACR is the new Subject Leader for Metalwork at West Dean College. Each has honed their skills working in the heritage industry and in high profile museums, such as the British Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the V&A. The College attracts students nationally and internationally for its practice-led and interdisciplinary approach to the development of conservation and craft skills, and for its dynamic engagement across these sectors.
The Visual Arts department at West Dean College is delighted to announce the results of their recent Artist-in-Residence Open Call. The three recipients of the 2017/18 residencies are Gabriela Beveridge, Katie Schwab and Ross Taylor. The artists were selected from 113 submissions made during the three-month Open Call, which attracted entries from around the world. The selected artists will be resident at West Dean for three weeks, during which time they will not only develop their practices and deepen their knowledge of West Dean, but also work closely with students on the full-time Visual Arts programmes.
More of us are opting to enrich our lives through arts and craft practices, unlocking creativity as well as escaping the pressures of daily life. This is exactly what the new Autumn/Winter short course programme at West Dean College aims to deliver; a way to find a new craft or develop an existing skill, all the while enhancing quality of life.
Live Latino music and dance performances throughout the weekend start at 10am on all three days and finish at 9pm on Friday, 10.30pm on Saturday and 9pm on Sunday. Some notable performances for 2017 will include: Andalus; the leading Gipsy Kings tribute band, Kongo Dia Ntoltila, the rumba, afro-jazz band, all girl Rock 'n' Roll band; The Daisy Chains as well as The Fontana's - the Afro Brazilian live band.
Visitors can pick up new culinary skills in the Cookery Theatre as they experience live food demonstrations by a host of incredible top chefs and food influencers. Recognisable faces such as Dragons Den's most renowned entrepreneur Levi Roots, the most recent MasterChef winner Saliha Mahmood- Ahmed and previous Professional MasterChef champion Steven Edwards will be among those offering top tips and demonstrating their culinary skills.
