As we enter mid-winter, there is a crisp chill and a festive atmosphere in Cambridge and CSVPA students and staff have started to head home for the winter break.
For our aspiring artists, designers and performers, every term is busy as they hone their skills, enjoying creative exploration and experimenting with techniques and mediums. This Autumn term has been no different with our diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate students embracing the plethora of opportunities on offer. From lectures and tutorials with our industry-expert lecturers to workshops with visiting professional artists and creatives, students have been engaged in varied, exciting learning.
A key highlight for many was the CSVPA x Fitzwilliam Museum Late Event in November. Using the Fitzwilliam Museum as their backdrop, our Foundation Diploma and undergraduate students showcased creative responses to the Museum’s landmark ‘Black Atlantic: Power, People, Resistance’ exhibition. Guided by their lecturers, students worked extremely hard to create responses to the exhibition’s themes and narratives. From animations and illustrations to carefully crafted garments, CSVPA showcased the full creative range, talent and potential of our students. A huge success with nearly 1000 tickets sold, the event was an excellent way to end 2023.
The festive season often prompts reflection. For CSVPA, this year has been one filled with successes for all our students. In June, we celebrated an outstanding 13 nominations and 7 award-winning collections at Graduate Fashion Week 2023, including four students winning the prestigious Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Award. Our final term was punctuated by fantastic graduation showcases from our Fashion Branding and Creative Communication course, Graphics and Illustration course and Graduate Diploma in Art and Design students, as well as showcases and performances from our Foundation and Extended Diploma students. Our Drama and Musical Theatre Foundation students wowed in their summer performances at the Junction Theatre in Cambridge, and finished this semester with an array of music concerts, acting performances and a traditional British pantomime. Finally, our MA students presented a range of incredible art and design in their graduate show ‘What is the Contemporary?’ show in the early autumn.
With such successes, it would be tempting to rest on our laurels. But that is not CSVPA’s style. Our resolution for 2024 is to continue to challenge and push the limits of creativity, encouraging our students to craft their own artistic journeys.
From everyone at CSVPA, I would like to extend the warmest season’s greetings to all. We wish that the holiday season is a peaceful and joyful one.
Karin Askham, Rector of CSVPA
