Inspiring Creativity: Students Explore Design at Swansea College of Art

3 December 2024

Students from the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art & Design programmes recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a day of creative workshops at UWTSD Swansea College of Art, working alongside the BA/MDes Surface Pattern team.

A group of students seated around a large white table strewn with pens, paints and creative work.

The workshops provided technical support and inspiration to help students prepare for the Inspiring Skills Wales competition, which the university will host in February 2025. This year, the event will debut two exciting new competition categories: textiles and crafts.

During the visit, students engaged in hands-on activities, experimenting with disperse dyes and heat presses to create unique designs. They also explored how to weave storytelling and sustainability into their design work, while drawing on the UK’s rich global textile heritage for inspiration.

Programme Manager Georgia McKie praised the students, saying: “They were a great group, and we enjoyed having you all so much. There were some beautiful designs! We really hope a few decide to join our competitions and get involved on the live heats day.”

A student wearing protective blue gloves painting onto fabric.

The workshops sparked enthusiasm among the students, many of whom are eager to participate in the upcoming competition. Course Leader Louise Sheppard noted the impact of the experience:

“The workshops really galvanised the students’ design process, and many are keen to be selected for competition entry. The teaching team will select two competitors and two reserves per competition. In February, these students will take their design work and join others from schools and colleges across Wales to make either a square scarf for the textiles brief or a tea-related vessel for the craft one.”

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art and Media said: “UWTSD is proud to support the next generation of designers through initiatives like this, fostering creativity, sustainability, and technical skill development. As the Inspiring Skills Wales competition approaches, these workshops have set the stage for students to showcase their talent and push the boundaries of their design potential.”

Skills Competition Wales aims to raise the profile of skills in Wales and offers students, trainees, and apprentices in Wales a chance to challenge, benchmark and raise their skills by taking part in competitions across a range of sectors.

Funded by the Welsh Government and run by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations, it consists of a series of local skills competitions, aligned to WorldSkills and the needs of the Welsh economy.

The competitions are free to enter and typically run between January and March each year.