Art students prepare for Italian jobs
Published On Thu 19 Apr 2018 by Jonathan Watson
A “once in a lifetime” opportunity awaits two University of Dundee students who are to spend a month in Venice at one of the world’s foremost arts festivals.
Amy Bryson and Blair Boyle from the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) will stay in the Italian city as part of a fellowship arranged with the British Council.
As well as conducting independent research throughout their stay, the pair will also invigilate a major new exhibition at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition, part of the British Pavilion at the celebrated La Biennale di Venezia.
Product Design student Amy, from Kinross, said that the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event could be career defining.
“Not many people get the chance to do this and it will provide me with great experience when applying for work in the future,” said the 20-year-old.
“It will be fantastic to spend time in such inspirational surroundings. Venice is such a creative city and I cannot wait to be embedded in such a unique environment for a month.”
This is the second successive year that DJCAD has participated in the British Council’s Venice Fellowship initiative.
As well as sampling one of the world’s premier arts festivals, the Dundee pairing will work with student peers and undertake a design project reflecting the event’s theme of ‘freespace’ when they jet off next month.
As part of the partnership between the University and the British Council, DJCAD will support Amy and Blair throughout their month-long stay in Italy, with the pair assisting at the latest exhibition by London-based firm Caruso St John Architects and artist Marcus Taylor at the British Pavilion.
Initiated in 2014, the aim of the Venice Fellowship scheme is to strengthen the British Pavilion contribution as a platform for ideas and research.
The British Council has been responsible for the British Pavilion in Venice since 1937, which has showcased some of the United Kingdom’s brightest talent in art, design and architecture to an international audience.
Blair, a 20-year-old Interior and Environmental Design student from Catrine, Ayrshire, said, “I’m already looking ahead to my dissertation next year and will use this trip as inspiration for that.
“I had heard about the Venice Fellowship scheme from students last year so when the email came around seeking applicants I knew I had to go for it. I can’t wait to get out there – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Andy Milligan, a member of the British Council’s Venice Fellowship HE Advisory Group at DJCAD, added, “This is a unique intercultural opportunity for our students.
“Dundee’s partnership with the British Council continues to strengthen our international folio and it’s great to see our students collaborate with peers from a wide range of disciplines too.”
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