sPACE The magazine for Bath Spa University students and staff | Winter 2017
--Around-the----clock mental---health support--
--Graduate secures---deal with prestigious---children’s publisher--
--Marvellous---museums – our---top three picks--
W
elcome to this first edition of SPACE magazine for the 2017/18 academic year. I am delighted to be here as your interim Vice-Chancellor until Professor Susan Rigby takes up her post in January 2018. We have much to celebrate in this issue of SPACE, not least the wonderful news that our planning application for the new art and design building on Locksbrook Road in Bath has been approved by the local Council. Work is now ongoing to determine the schedule for the building’s development and further details will be shared in due course. We also gladly confirmed a new partnership with the renowned David Glass Ensemble which will provide many exciting opportunities for students. We have welcomed many prospective students to our Open Days and celebrated Equality and Diversity Week with a number of inspirational talks and events. I may only be here at Bath Spa for a short time, but I look forward to hearing, reading and seeing the many achievements and successes of both staff and students. This will be a year of positive change and I’m pleased to be able to contribute towards the University’s continued success.
Professor Nick Foskett Interim Vice-Chancellor
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in this issue 4
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SPACE Magazine is published seasonally for Bath Spa University students and staff.
on the cover
Email spacemag@bathspa.ac.uk Editor
P. 4 Marvellous museums – our top three picks P. 7 Graduate secures deal with prestigious children’s publisher P. 9 Around-the-clock mental health support
Jennifer Davies Features Jane Wakefield Kirsty Reynolds Zainab Rahman
regulars
Design
P. 4 Success at Spa Achievements from Bath Spa’s talented students, staff and alumni P. 10 Ryan’s Column Students’ Union President Ryan Lucas discusses issues affecting your time here at Bath Spa P. 18 Autumn in Pictures A photo tells a thousand words P. 18 Five minutes with Meet Meghann McKeague who is Vice-President Education at the Students’ Union P. 16 SPACE to Shout! Marvellous museums to visit and open gardens grown from love
Rosie Maynard Contributors Sara Gallagher Graham McLaren Ryan Lucas Frontcover Chloe Gregory and Annie James, Bath Spa University textiles graduates, exhibited their designs at the 2017 London Design Festival. They exhibited their print work called Foxglove. Backcover
FEATURES
New campus coming soon. The University is delighted to let you know that planning has been approved for our new campus for the Bath School of Art and Design
P. 19 SPACE to Chat Around-the-clock mental health support Over the last five academic years the number of students at Bath Spa disclosing mental health problems has increased by around 170%. Bath Spa has continued to increase and improve the services available for students.
at the Locksbrook Road site. More information coming soon: www.bathspa.ac.uk/locksbrookroad
P. 14 SPACE to Talk Celebrating 160 years of Bath School of Art and Design It’s the 1850s, London’s King’s Cross Station has just welcomed its first commuters, Queen Victoria has awarded the first sixty-six Victoria Crosses and the Bath School of Art and Design has opened its doors for the very first time.
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Conversations with trees Visitors to the Westonbirt Arboretum can be inspired this Autumn by a Bath Spa University student’s poetry. Marchant Barron, an aspiring poet and final year BA Creative Writing student at Bath Spa, is sharing his collection of poems with the public until December. The exhibition titled Conversations with Trees was organised by Marchant as part of his studies and took a year to produce. He decided that Westonbirt Arboretum was the perfect location for his project as he wanted to display his poems in a natural setting. The installation consists of eight poems which can be seen hanging vertically on red banners from beneath tree canopies. Marchant took inspiration for each poem from different trees in the Arboretum. Each poem reflects his personal response to a specific tree, and the solace and sense of wonder that he felt on his visits to the Arboretum. Marchant said: “This is my dream come true – seeing my words floating in the trees. I am overwhelmed with the response from people to my poetry.”
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Designer duo fabric exhibit Two successful Bath Spa University textiles graduates exhibited their designs at the 2017 London Design Festival. Chloe Gregory and Annie James both graduated in July 2015 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors. The print designing pair were selected from a list of emerging designers to be part of this year’s festival, which took place in Kings Cross, London. The duo, who set up their
business together called Chloe and Annie, exhibited their print work called Foxglove at the festival. They specialise in screenprinting bespoke fabric for interiors, taking their inspiration from still life paintings of the Dutch Masters to the everyday, from market stalls to gardens. Chloe, said: “London Design Festival is such a big prestigious event and one that we have always wanted to be a part of, so we felt very honoured to be chosen to exhibit.”
Bath Spa University has been voted one of the top six creative universities in the UK in the Which? University Student Survey 2017. Congratulations everyone! Which? University is a free website which allows prospective students to compare universities on both extracurricular and academic experience. Nick Foskett, Interim ViceChancellor, said: “I am delighted - Bath Spa is a high achieving university which
is becoming increasingly recognised as a centre of excellence for creativity, culture and enterprise. “We employ outstanding professionals with extensive practical experience in the creative and cultural industries, who can offer students a real insight into their chosen career fields and teach them the skills that they need to succeed in an industry that is constantly evolving.”
success at spa
Story about a Pineapple wins Novel in 25 Words competition The winner of Bath Spa University’s ‘Novel in 25 words’ competition was announced at a prestigious event to mark the launch of a new anthology, ‘A Place in Words’, in celebration of 25 years of teaching creative writing excellence at the University. American actress, Kelly Doran took the top prize for her comical story about Carl and an unlikely situation with a pineapple, titled, FYI. The competition, which challenged people to submit a novel in just 25 words, was judged by a panel of successful authors and literary figures, including author of nine novels, Philip Hensher and Senior Assistant Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, Jonathan Dent. The heavy-weight judges shortlisted just three of the 1,415 entries, each of whom had their novels read out and recorded by Jeremy Irons, Oscar-winning actor and Chancellor of Bath Spa University.
The winning entry is: FYI by Kelly Doran Obviously I’m not judging Carl; I just think it would’ve been nice to know about the whole pineapple situation before I moved in with him.
Renowned David Glass Ensemble partners with Bath Spa A new partnership between the David Glass Ensemble and Bath Spa University will bring an innovative approach to how students are taught performance based subjects at the University. The partnership places an emphasis on the professional training of students so that they enter the creative industries as accomplished actors, producers and directors. Speaking about the exciting new venture, Kerry Irvine, Producer at Bath Spa University said: “We are thrilled to be working with David Glass. He is an inspiring and dynamic artist, whose knowledge and expertise enhances our students’ training and experience, but also stimulates new and exciting theatre performances for the industry and audiences alike. “At Bath Spa we are committed to achieving excellence and rigour in our work, providing our creative graduates with the essential skills they require to be employable and adaptable in an everchanging landscape. David Glass has performed, directed and taught in over 70 countries. He trained at the Lecoq School in Paris and
worked as a soloist before establishing the multi-award winning David Glass Ensemble in 1990. His passion for education and training in the arts is well-known and he explains why partnering with Bath Spa University will help the next generation of theatre makers. He said: “The vitality, passion and voice of young artists is the seedbed and engine of the arts. This is doubly true for theatre. We live in a time of unprecedented change and upheaval. The job of the young is to engage in this change and for young artists to reflect this back at that changing society. “A progressive and creatively practice led institution like Bath Spa is the seedbed for the future. The mixture of rigour, provocation and reflectivity is obvious in the graduates of the college. The partnership between the students and staff of Bath Spa and the Ensemble will create a vital bridge into the international world of professional theatre making and teaching and I hope will leave an enduring legacy for both organisations and the future life of its graduates.”
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Bath Spa and Children’s University team up to host quest for fun and facts Bath Spa University once again teamed up with the Children’s University to offer young people aged 7-14 the chance to take part in its Quest for Fun and Facts trail in Bath in October. The event, which took place at the Roman Baths, saw Bath Spa University team up with a number of local museums and Bath and North East Somerset Council to take children and parents on a journey of discovery during Museums Week. The evening gave children a firsthand look at the types of activities available in the area as part of an ongoing series of joint events between Bath Spa, the Children’s University and the Council. During the trail, colleagues and students from Bath Spa University’s MA Heritage Management course, and children from Weston All Saints Primary
be creative. be a teacher.
School, displayed objects for attendees to handle and use as inspiration for a short story. The BSc (Hons) Food with Nutrition Programme Leader, Dr Anil de Sequeira, fed children’s curiosity by developing their love of learning by presenting them with cricket cookies – an innovative snack made from the unique insect ingredient. Bath Spa University’s Institute for Education Head of Consultancy, Richard Parker, said: “Showing children just how much fun they can have while learning is very important to us and we’re committed to giving young people from all backgrounds a greater opportunity to develop their skills. Who knows, we may have inspired a new generation of archaeologists, writers or chefs with this event.”
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Great teaching starts here Visit bathspa.ac.uk/teaching
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Graduate announces publishing deal Huge congratulations to Bath Spa graduate Kirsty Applebaum who has secured a deal with prestigious children’s publisher, Nosy Crow. Kirsty, who graduated in February with an MA in Writing for Young People, has secured a two-book publishing deal. Her debut novel, The Middler, which was awarded the 2016 United Agents Prize for Most Promising Writing for Young People, will be published next year. The novel is written for children aged 9 to 12 years old and tells the story of a young girl named Maggie, exploring forbidden friendship, loyalty and betrayal. Kate Wilson, Managing Director at Nosy Crow said the novel had a “great voice” and “real international potential”. Kirsty said: “The whole team has embraced the world of the book and they all love the characters of Maggie, Jed and Trig as much as I do. I’m very excited to be working with such a friendly, energetic and innovative publisher.” Well done Kirsty!
success at spa
Ryan’S column
Graduate judges Sky 1’s new music talent show Bath Spa University graduate Rachel commitment from the competitors.” Mason has been selected to judge Sky She chose to study for her masters 1’s new music talent show Sing: Ultimate at Bath Spa to learn more about the A Cappella. craft of songwriting. She said: “It The show, hosted by Cat Deeley, was the perfect way to improve my first aired in October and five acts will songwriting. For me the most enjoyable perform each week for the chance to part of the course was being able to get record an album at Abbey Road Studios. detailed feedback from experienced Rachel, a singer-songwriter and and knowledgeable tutors, and vocal teacher, graduated from Bath Spa exploring a variety of techniques for in 2015 with an MMus in Songwriting. unleashing the creative process.” She has written Davey Ray Moor, songs for established musician and Course “We’re delighted to and upcoming see Rachel’s passion Director for the musicians, as well MMUS Songwriting at for choir arriving in the Bath Spa University, as BBC Introducing, mainstream” Canadian Idol and said: “We’re The Voice alumni. delighted to see Rachel said: “I was astonished Rachel’s passion for choir arriving in and flattered when I heard I had been the mainstream. It was always likely to selected as a judge. I’ve judged Show happen and I like to think we helped by Choir Championships and A Cappella encouraging her to research her culture contests all over the world and each time and its songs.” I’m stunned by the level of talent and
If you’ve just joined our University and are adjusting to what student life at Bath Spa is all about, by now I imagine receiving your student loan seems like a distant memory of excitement mixed with a bit of regret, and Welcome Week antics are a secret between you, your best friend and their Snapchat friends list. Fresher’s flu has probably taken over, but the need to go out clubbing is sidelining any illness it is first term after all! Or perhaps you’re settling back in to uni following your summer holiday. You’re finding things you absolutely love and things you think need to change (tuition fees would be an agreeable start). If it’s the latter and you’re wondering how to change things at Bath Spa, the Students’ Union offers a platform called Change Something. This can be found on our SU website and offers you the chance to raise questions and take a vote on something you wish to change. It’s a great way of voicing your opinion to the Union about pretty much anything! One recent change I am extremely proud of achieving is being able to provide free sanitary products for our students. Nationally, this is a campaign that’s taking off and I’m pleased to say we have managed to resource free sanitary products in the Students’ Union. This achievement is still in its early stages and it’s my aim to get free sanitary products across all campuses so that as many Bath Spa students as possible can benefit. The Students’ Union is here for you, and it’s down to me to guarantee we are representing you appropriately as well as listening and addressing all key issues. If at any point you need to contact me, please drop me an email at su-president@Bathspa.ac.uk. Good luck with your studies and happy ‘studenting’! Ryan
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Professor’s film shortlisted for prestigious film award A film made by the Future Pasts research project led by Sian Sullivan, Professor of Environment and Culture at Bath Spa, was shortlisted for the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s prestigious 2017 Research in Film Awards. The film, The Damara King’s Festival, was made in collaboration with Namibian film organisation Mamokobo, the Damara King’s Festival Organising Committee, and UK academic partners at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies, and the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for African Studies. Professor Sian Sullivan, said: “We are delighted at this news. This is the first filmed record of a unique event in which music, dance and oratory combine to honour Damara pasts, presents and cultural landscapes. “Blending long-term ethnographic research with the visual intuition of Namibian film-maker Andrew Botelle, the film offers a window into an intimate celebration of identity by a rich but
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historically marginalised indigenous culture. This recognition will help us to share the film more widely within Namibia and to support the Festival Organising Committee with future events.” The Research in Film Awards celebrate short films about the arts and humanities and their influence on our lives. Mike Collins, Head of Communications at the Arts and Humanities Research Council, said: “While watching the films I was impressed by the careful attention to detail and rich storytelling that the filmmakers had used to engage their audiences. The quality of the shortlisted films further demonstrates the endless potential of using film as a way to communicate and engage people with academic research. Above all, the shortlist showcases the art of filmmaking as a way of helping us to understand the world that we live in today.”
Everybody needs good neighbour Students and staff from Bath Spa University and the University of Bath joined forces in October as part of the Good Neighbour Campaign. The Student Community Partnership (SCP) launched this year’s Good Neighbour Campaign which offers neighbourly advice and encourages both students and local residents to introduce themselves to their neighbours. The SCP is a partnership between Bath Spa University and the University of Bath, their Students’ Unions and the Bath and North East Somerset Council. It exists to promote harmonious relationships between student residents, permanent residents and the wider community of Bath. Students and staff from Bath’s two universities and members of the Bath and North East Somerset Council Waste Services Team took part in a day of door knocking on over 1,500 properties at the beginning of October. The door knocking aimed to establish neighbourly relations and
success at spa
Fine Art student debuts work inspired by Brexit
rs provide information to new residents regarding waste, recycling and bin collection days. Last year, the SCP was shortlisted for a National Recycling Award having donated more than 6,000 bags of unwanted items to the British Heart Foundation. £1,000,000 was raised to support the important work that the British Heart Foundation does. Kalyn Mallard, Community Liaison Co-ordinator of the SCP, said: “Students in Bath are an integral part of the local community, from taking on part-time jobs to volunteering for many of the local charities. It is important that both students and local residents establish and maintain good neighbourly relationships. “The Good Neighbour Campaign plays an important role in ensuring students’ and local residents’ concerns are raised and addressed, provides student residents with practical information to help them settle in and outlines what is considered neighbourly behaviour.”
Student Samantha Horn showcased her artwork at Bath Spa University’s 2017 MA Degree Shows this term. Samantha’s work was on public display alongside the work of 50 MA students on the University’s Curatorial Practice, Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Fine Art courses. Inspired by Brexit, Samantha’s work called Stranger, deals with the possible fragmentation of social collective identity through the use of parable, in the form of a life-sized film installation and analogue photography. Samantha said: “Stranger asks how we attribute strangeness to ourselves and others.” Samantha chose to study for an MA in Fine Art to develop her photography and cinematography skills. The former costume designer explained: “I decided that I wanted to complete a masters that would allow me to put these mediums into a contemporary context – philosophically and psycho-analytically. I chose to study at Bath Spa as I felt that the interview panel understood my work and my potential to develop as an artist.” The MA Degree Shows celebrate the achievements of masters students from the Bath School of Art and Design.
Visitors had the opportunity to view a range of art forms, including ceramics, drawing, film, painting, photography, sculpture and textile design. This year the exhibition was opened by renowned international artist Gavin Turk, who is also a Professor at the University’s Bath School of Art and Design. Gavin has pioneered many forms of contemporary British sculpture now taken for granted, including the painted bronze, the waxwork and the recycled art-historical icon. Professor Anita Taylor, Executive Dean of the Bath School of Art and Design, said: “It is always a pleasure to present the work of our students to the public in the degree show exhibitions. The work of each student across all of the courses represents an individual journey of creative development and their distinctive voice through the exceptional work realised here. “Our postgraduate courses combine creativity, research and entrepreneurial activity, and I am always inspired by the creative energy, imagination and high quality work of our students.”
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1 Book launch. A Place in Words is a celebration of 25 years of Bath Spa University’s very successful creative writing programme. The book features contributions by writers including Naomi Alderman, David Almond, Tessa Hadley and Nathan Filer. 2, 3 & 6 Over 35 organisations visited the University as part of the Careers and Opportunities Fair. Bath Spa Graphic Design graduates Matt Mills Miller (founder of ustwo games) and Mr Bingo (cult illustrator and artist) spoke about working in the creative industries.
6 4 First year Institute for Education undergraduates meet the Professor Pepper the robot. This is the first time Bath Spa will have used robots at the University, and it is one of the first institutions in the UK to explore the impact they will have on teaching. 5 Over 1,500 copies of a special edition of SPACE were given out to first years during registration. SPACE is the University’s magazine for students and staff and is packed full of features, success stories and achievements from across our campuses.
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winter in pictures 3
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sPACE TO
“ Chat ” Around-the-clock mental health support Over the last five academic years the number of students at Bath Spa disclosing mental health problems has increased by around 170%. Bath Spa has continued to increase and improve the services available for students through the Student Support Service and in further recognition of the changing needs of our student population, Big White Wall was launched at the start of this academic year. Big White Wall is a free, totally anonymous, 24/7 online service that allows Bath Spa students to access mental health and wellbeing support when they need it most. Sara Gallagher, Head of Student Support tells us more: “Our Student Support team offers a comprehensive range of services dedicated to Bath Spa students. We provide advice and guidance on a variety of matters including disability, mental health and wellbeing, money management and student engagement. “We understand that students need advice outside of our usual nine to five office hours and I’m pleased to say that students now have access to such a great service as Big White Wall. “Big White Wall enables students to access self-help programmes, creative outlets and a caring peer-led online community. So whether you’re faced with everyday stressors, or major life events – we’re here for you every step of the way.” We caught up with Students’ Union president Ryan Lucas who talked to us about his own experience of dealing with stressors while he was studying for his BA (Hons) Religions, Philosophies and Ethics degree. >
sPACE TO
“ Chat ”
Ryan says: “It’s fair to say that when I was stressed, I would get really stressed, to the point where my heart would flutter. It all started in my third year when I was on my way to a lecture. As I was walking I began to feel really out of breath and suddenly fainted just outside Commons on Newton Park campus. Feeling understandably worried, Ryan made an appointment to see a doctor. He tells us: “After lots of tests, doctors explained the fluttering in my chest was in fact caused by over-activity from the electric currents in my heart, which seemed to be exacerbated by stress. I was really concerned and because this happened to me over the Christmas break, ironically, I had time to dwell on what was happening. “Not having access to support over the holidays led me to overanalyse the issue rather than think about what I could do to fix it and I began to feel nervous about meeting my university deadlines. “When I came back to university I decided to talk to my tutor, Catherine Robinson. She was enormously helpful, together we came up with ways for me to manage my workload and she encouraged me to speak to Student Support. I’m so glad I did because from there I decided to start attending 20-minute drop-in counselling sessions which really helped. They made me realise I wasn’t alone and things started to get better from then on. “I decided I wanted to help others in my situation too and last year I was an advisor for Bath Nightline, the confidential listening, support and information service for students. I experienced firsthand the amount of students who could simply do with someone to listen to how they’re feeling, or just know that someone was there at the end of the line.
“I think it’s a huge step in the right direction that we now have 24/7 mental health support from Big White Wall. I would really have benefitted from something like this when I was a student and I think this type of out-of-hours support really is essential.” We asked Ryan if he had any advice for students going through a tough time. Ryan says: “The important thing to remember is that it’s OK to be stressed. With exams and social lives to balance, it’s very normal to feel overwhelmed at times. I know it’s easier said than done but my advice would be try not to overthink things and find time to switch off. Just a couple of hours a night to do something you enjoy can really make a difference. “We have so many societies and clubs here at the University to help focus your mind, but if you feel there’s something missing, I’d love to hear your ideas so please get in touch. And remember, you’re not alone.” Tanya Kirrage, Engagement Manager at Big White Wall adds: “Joining our anonymous online community means you’ll have instant access to guided support programmes designed to help you tackle issues including depression, anxiety and negative thinking. Whether you want to speak to peers or a counsellor, there will be someone there for you every minute of every day.” To use the new 24/7 service search ‘Big White Wall’ on The Hub or go to bigwhitewall.com to join with your Bath Spa University email address. It only takes five minutes and you’ll have access to a wide range of support and advice right at your fingertips.
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“ Tal E TO k ” sPAC
Celebrating 160 years of Bath School of Art and Design It’s the 1850s, London’s King’s Cross Station has just welcomed its first commuters, Queen Victoria has awarded the first sixty-six Victoria Crosses and the Bath School of Art and Design has opened its doors for the very first time. >
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sPACE TO
The
“ Talk ”
re is Jan still tim uary e 2018 to see Ho and entr dgkin’s y is free works for B as In d ath Spa ia on P Univ aper r ersi ty s uns un taff t and il Sund ay stud ents 7 .
To celebrate the Bath School of Art and Design’s 160th anniversary last month, the University, alumni of the Bath Art Secondary School and the Bath and North East Somerset Council-run Victoria Art Gallery joined together to host Hot Springs of Art and Design. The three-day series of events took visitors on a journey into the depths of Bath Spa University’s prestigious art and design teaching history spanning 160 years, inviting them to explore the ongoing influence and partnership of the University’s Bath School of Art and Design and the city of Bath, from the 1850s to present day. Visitors were guided through famous Bath venues including our impressive Corsham Court campus and the days were comprised of a mix of walking tours, talks, exhibitions and interactive workshops for all ages. A selection of work by staff and students was on display at the University Art Collection exhibition which showcased pieces inspired by Bath, and the region’s surroundings, and encompassed the skills developed through research, observation, reflection and practice. With decades of our University’s art and design to discover, the event was educational for all and gave attendees the perfect chance to find out how Bath’s very own William Harbutt, and former headmaster of Bath School of Art (1874 – 1877), created the world-wide phenomenon that is plasticine. The topic of education continued as Professor Anita Taylor, Executive Dean of the Bath School of Art and Design, and the first female head of the School, chaired a symposium with a stellar line-up of international artists, curators and historians including Gavin Turk and (from the U.S.) Sharon Louden. The panel examined key questions about the past, present and future of art and design education and explored its influence on lives and subsequent careers of artists and designers. Additional contributors included Bath School of Art and
Design’s Head of Research, Dr Graham McLaren; Professor Mike Tooby whose distinguished curatorial career includes periods as the founding curator of Tate St Ives; leading British sculptor Professor Michael Pennie who has an active association as an artist and academic with the Bath School of Art and Design; curator Fiona Cassidy who has managed art institutions in the region and studied on the MA Curatorial Practice course at Bath School of Art and Design. Dr Graham McLaren, who is currently completing a history of the School to be published by Wunderkammer Press, said: “The histories of Bath School of Art and Design and the City of Bath are inseparable. It was concerned citizens of the City who brought the School into being, agitating for its establishment and putting their hands in their pockets to fund it. “We hope that the City is proud of the amazing array of art and design talent that the School has produced over the years, adding so much richness and diversity to the culture of Bath and beyond.” As part of the event, Dr McLaren also shared stories of years gone by and explored the School’s strong heritage through a guided walking tour of sites related to Bath School of Art and Design from the 1850s to the present day. Also on display during the celebrations were the late artist Howard Hodgkin’s works at the Victoria Art Gallery, including those created while he taught at Bath Academy of Art (1955-66). Hodgkin, who sadly passed away on 9 March 2017, developed positive relations with Bath and the Gallery over the years. His exhibition, India on Paper, features Indian-themed works including gouache paintings, editioned prints and hand-coloured impressions.
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! SHOUT ! sPACE TO Have your say – we’re looking for letters, feedback, and general social media musings, so please send in what you like about Bath Spa and the city of Bath via spacemag@bathspa.ac.uk
Bath’s marvellous museums Bath Museums Week took place in October – here’s our top three in Bath.
Fashion Museum
Holburne Museum
Roman Baths
Love fashion? Then this is a must! The museum holds a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress. View elegant silk robes and embroidered coats, along with fashion from the Jane Austen era. Based in the Assembly Rooms. Buy a Museums Saver ticket for £18.50 and save £7 on every visit.
Public art gallery featuring work from high profile artists including Gainsborough, Guardi, Ramsay, Stubbs and Zoffany. There’s always something going on at The Holburne from temporary exhibitions, musical performances, creative workshops, talks, lectures and family events. A student ticket is £3.50.
Below the streets of Bath lies the Roman Baths consisting of the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the museum. Visit to be transported back in time to where Romans gathered for public bathing, for worship and where sacrifices were made. Get a Museums Saver ticket for £18.50 to get great discounts.
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! SHOUT ! sPACE TO
Love Grows Here “Since love grows within you, so beauty grows: For love is the beauty of the soul”, so says Amanda Goode, Course Leader for BA Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors when writing about her beautiful garden. Amanda plans to open her garden to the public in May next year to share the experience of a garden grown from love. One recent addition to the garden is a tree bought for Amanda by colleagues at the University in memory of her daughter Harriet who very sadly passed away in 2016. More information about Amanda’s garden is available at www.lovegrowshereweb.wordpress.com
Stay up to speed with parking at Newton Park @BathSpaParking If you park at Newton Park campus you’ll know it can sometimes get very busy. We’ve set up a Twitter account so that you can follow us for the latest car parking updates @BathSpaParking. When the Newton Park car parks become full, please head to the overflow car park on Lower Bristol Road which is open from 7:30am until 6:30pm. Regular shuttle buses run to the campus. A map and timetable for these can be found on Twitter.
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5
minutes with ...
Meet Meghann McKeague who is Vice-President Education at the Students’ Union. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing. In her role Meghann represents the academic interests of all the students at the University. Meghann has been leading on a project to set up the Academic Societies in an effort to foster interest in student studies and rebuild a sense of community. The societies are subject area specific, with no year divides, and will function like any other society at the University being student-led and supported by the Union.
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What do you love about Bath Spa University? I love the staff here. I’m obsessed with them - academics, professional services, senior management, you name it. They really make Bath Spa University what it is.
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Where is your favourite spot on campus? My favourite spot at Newton Park has to be Commons. There’s always someone talking about how they’re writing a book so they’re too busy to do the reading. I must have spent hundreds of hours there.
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If you went on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? Probably memes for now. It’s just such a strange form of media with a weird, complicated history with so many crossovers and different types.
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Tell me something you’re passionate about at the moment? I’m passionate about artificial intelligence (AI). Right now my life revolves around my job and my computer, because in my computer is ToRNN (Torch to Recurrent Neural Network). The software is named after a poet who taught themselves to write original poetry using a very preliminary form of AI. ToRNN was my idea, but all the poetry it writes is its own. It’s all written automatically by machine. I’ll probably be poking around with it for the next decade or so.
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And finally, complete this sentence. Not many people know this about me but… I can make anyone smile. I’ve nailed this one childish trick and now I have a one hundred per cent success rate.
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Meghann McKeague
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Achieve more with our postgraduate degrees At Bath Spa University we believe in thinking differently, and with a postgraduate qualification, potential employers will see you differently. Not only will you enhance your career prospects, you will deepen your knowledge of a subject you are passionate about, widen your network of contacts and enhance your earning opportunities.
Exclusive Alumni offer As a Bath Spa graduate you are eligible for a £1,200 reduction to your master’s course fees, so there has never been a better time to start your postgraduate journey.
DIFFERENT THINKING
Get more from your future, visit bathspa.ac.uk/postgrad
Winter 2017
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