This Saturday club designed by the Slade, works with three UCL Departments: the Slade School of Fine Art, The Bartlett School of Architecture and UCL Special Collections, and is organised by UCL Widening Participation, to offer a unique series of educational experiences. 

Working with the senses to look, feel, hear, and even taste, this 30-week programme explores natural materials and digital media, interweaving these with new skills and thoughts. The aim is to foster confidence in creative imagination. 

Sandra Smith tells us more.... 

What was the concept behind the course? The focus of this course was exploring connections between and questions about the human and the non-human. The three departments worked with digital technologies and physical materials to build connections between the rapidly changing landscape of art and artificial intelligence whilst exploring what it is to be human through art.  

What was the outcome of the course for the students? The students learnt a skill in each session of the course, and it finished with a student-led exhibition in the UCL East Studios. They showed the work and were able to invite their family and teachers. Showcasing the students' work has proven to have massive benefits in increasing confidence and motivation and raises aspirations. The students were also part of the National Saturday Club Summer Show at Somerset House. 

Why do you feel it is important for the Slade to host courses like these? It is crucial that Slade continues its work on opening access to art education with projects like this one, as there is a huge risk to art education in schools. As a subject, art is often underfunded in schools and maybe not even offered as an option for study. The Slade can give students the space to make and think creatively. Working with schools helps us to understand where we can help as a university to engage students in art and education.  

What are the next widening participation projects for the Slade? A gift from Sadie Coles HQ has meant that we have been able to offer a four-week widening participation course this summer for people interested in studying art who would otherwise be unable to do so. We also have our 10 Artists, 10 Experiences online resource which offers an introduction to fine art practice. This works as a teaching resource as well as support for anyone wanting to expand their art practice. Finally, we will be looking to offer our portfolio review sessions again this year for people who want to apply for an undergraduate portfolio-based degree.  

To find out more about the Slade's widening participation work, please see our Inclusion section.