Photography and Social Engagement

Collaboration between undergraduates of the BA (Hons) photography course and Stockport Homes has resulted in yet another huge success. This year students have been working on two social projects. 

The York Street project involved working with elderly tenants in the Edgeley Area of Stockport. The project involved the students teaching the tenants over a series of six two-hour sessions how to use digital cameras and provide tuition on the basic principles of photography. The project resulted in a published book of photographs made by the elderly tenants guided by four photography degree students.

 
The second project involved a separate group of students from the course working with young people living in the Brinnington area of Stockport. The Youth Forum wants to promote positive action in the area which faces a number of social challenges. 

Students learned to work with members of the Forum over a number of sessions to work towards producing a book of photographs which represents their environment and their eventual realisation that the area offers some exceptional natural spaces.

In with the The Neighbourhood

It's not often that students prove themselves to the extent that they're offered a job before they even graduate from their course, but Sarah Brewster has done just that, after a work placement with the The Neighbourhood in the heart of the creative community in Manchester's Norther Quarter. The Neighbourhood, who describe themselves as 'a creative studio were stories and worlds come to life across many forms of visual communication' also have a clear central philosophy

'We think broadly. Dig deep. And ask lots of questions. As a result, we discover truths and translate them into appropriate, engaging and finely crafted content.'

Sarah, has already joined the company as their new Project Aministrator.

'My role is to assist the Producer and Project Co-Ordinator of the Animation and Architectural Visual teams. I will aid their workload by helping to liaise with clients, keep projects updated so that the teams know what progress they're making and assist with meetings and work scheduling. With my goal ultimately being to become a Producer myself, this is a great starting point!'

Sarah, will graduate in July from the BA (Hons) Design & Visual Arts programe. She specialised in Moving Image, she goes on to say,

'My three year study of the animation field will really enhance my role at The Neighbourhood, as I'll have a thorough understanding of the different techniques and time scales that go into making a piece of moving work.'

Rapport in Conversation with Graphic Design

Last week, Chris Platt & Paul Rose of Rapport visited the College to meet this year's graduating graphic designers from the BA (Hons) Design & Visual Arts course. Rapport are an ideas led events agency based in the heart of Manchester.

Chris and Paul showed the graduates a range of work from their portfolio including clients such as Kelloggs, Adidas and Astellas.

The graduates were shown a body of work that reaches beyond the traditional realms of a 'graphic design studio'. Rapport's use of and need for graphic design skills was prominent in every events project shown. Throughout the course, staff continually encourage students to be innovative and adaptable in the changing climate of the creative industries. Rapport's perspective further enhanced the need for this in relation to employability.

After their presentation, Chris and Paul conducted portfolio reviews with the graduates. One of our final years students will be starting on a placement with Rapport over the summer.

"We think smart ideas which involve your audience and capture their imagination is ultimately what will inspire them to do great things."

www.rapportevents.com