ILS students open exhibition of work

In January, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - as part of its Offsite Secondary School programme - began a 10 week project with a group of students from the Independent Living Skills (ILS) department at Gower College Swansea.

Based at Gower College Swansea’s Tycoch Campus, the ILS department offers a range of courses that are tailored to students with specialist learning needs.

The focus of the exhibition 'Anonymous' is on the work that the students created over the course of the project and is based on the themes of social exclusion, stereotypes and prejudice. Inspired by the work of artists Paul Peter Piech, Shani Rhys James and Banksy, the students have created a series of prints, paintings and photographic images in response to these sensitive topics.

Throughout the project the group have been working closely with artist Mary Passmore to respond to these themes, and in doing so they have decided to remain anonymous with their individual views, concerns and messages.

The exhibition opens at 11am in the White Room at Swansea Grand Theatre on Tuesday 26 April. The exhibition will be open to the public 10am - 5pm until Friday 29 April.

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery launched a dedicated Offsite Secondary School programme back in January 2014. The aim of the programme is to provide pupils and teachers with an informal and exciting introduction to our city art gallery through the contemporary and historical exhibitions, the Gallery collection, and sharing the history of the Gallery and its founder, Richard Glynn Vivian. The programme is delivered by professional contemporary practitioners from all disciplines including painting, music, drama and sculpture.

Since 2014, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery’s Secondary School programme has evolved and we now work closely with selected comprehensive schools on specific projects. The students at Gower College Swansea, like other school groups, had a term to complete a project of their choice with an artist. The Gallery works in partnership and consultation with the teachers and students to provide participants with new creative skills and exciting experiences.

If you are interested in the scheme and would like further information or an initial discussion please contact Charlotte Thomas by telephone on 01792 516900, or email Charlotte.Thomas@swansea.gov.uk 

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Notes to Editors:
1. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is part of the City and County of Swansea and is supported by a grant from the Arts Council of Wales.
2. Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea, SA1 3QJ.
3. For more information please contact Charlotte Thomas on 01792 516900 or email charlotte.thomas@swansea.gov.uk