HAFARTCAMP
EXHIBIT A EXHIBIT A
Art Camp has evolved into a celebration of Art Camp has evolved into a celebration of youthful creativity during the Easter Holidays, youthful creativity during the Easter Holidays, where parents and carers witness their children where parents and carers witness their children transform concepts into finished artwork daily. transform concepts into finished artwork daily.
This year's program reached over 300 places in 4 This year's program reached over 300 places in 4 venues across York and was inspired by our venues across York and was inspired by our collaboration with Viborg, a fellow UNESCO City of collaboration with Viborg, a fellow UNESCO City of Media Arts. Their international challenge, 'Who is Media Arts. Their international challenge, 'Who is YOUR Angel of Hope?', prompted our young YOUR Angel of Hope?', prompted our artists to explore themes of optimism, aspiration, artists to explore themes of optimism, aspiration, and cooperation. and cooperation.
The children interpreted the concept of an angel in The children interpreted the concept of an angel in remarkably diverse ways. Alongside traditional remarkably diverse ways. Alongside traditional depictions, they reimagined angels as empowering depictions, they reimagined angels as empowering slogans, friends, beloved celebrities, or pop culture slogans, friends, beloved celebrities, or pop culture figures. A popular recurring figure was Mira, the figures. A popular recurring figure was Mira, the winged angel from the Netflix hit 'KPop Demon winged angel from the Netflix hit 'KPop Demon Hunters,' showcasing the depth of their Hunters,' showcasing the depth of imaginative engagement. imaginative engagement.
These Easter projects were a testament to the These Easter projects were a testament to the confident, experimental mark-making that has confident, experimental mark-making that has characterised Art Camp for 18 years Crucially, characterised Art Camp for 18 years. Crucially, they were co-created with our new 'art they were co-created with our new 'art advocates' teenagers who grew up attending Art advocates'—teenagers who grew up attending Art Camp and are now mentoring younger Camp and are now mentoring younger participants. participants.
Basing our work on the colourful optimism of the current exhibition at the front gallery of the first floor, the children interpreted the concept of an angel in remarkably diverse ways. Alongside traditional depictions, they reimagined angels as empowering slogans, friends, beloved celebrities, or pop culture figures.
We created ceramics and Manga characters around the enigmatic slogan found outside, ‘If We Don’t Change, Everything Will.’ We created archangels devoted to the 4 values prominently displayed in the entrance of York College: Ambition, Care, Respect, Success. This quality of the Art work demonstrates the significant, farreaching impact of the City of York Council's HAF program, and we commend our colleagues' hard work.
Art Camp's sustained success is rooted in its ability to evolve and actively engage over 160 places for young artists from York. We are profoundly grateful for this opportunity and extend our thanks to the City of York Council's HAF team for the excellent delivery of the HAF program
Greg McGee
Greg McGee, Director, New Visuality
VISUALISING VALUES
FINDING INSPIRATION IN YORK COLLEGE
We discussed how values like Ambition, Care, Respect, and Success form the foundation of a thriving college environment. They shape not only academic achievement but also the culture and community that surround learning
Ambition drives students to set goals and push beyond their limits In a college setting, it encourages curiosity, innovation, and perseverance. Students who embrace ambition are more likely to take risks, explore new ideas, and strive for excellence in their work This energy fuels both personal growth and collective progress
Care is equally important, as it fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. When students and staff care for one another, it builds trust and well-being. This sense of community helps individuals feel valued and safe, allowing them to express themselves freely something especially vital in creative fields like art
Respect ensures that diverse perspectives are welcomed and appreciated. Colleges bring together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences Respect allows these differences to become strengths rather than barriers, encouraging collaboration and deeper understanding For artists, this diversity can be a powerful source of inspiration. Success, in this context, goes beyond grades or achievements. It represents growth, resilience, and the ability to learn from both failure and accomplishment A college that defines success broadly empowers students to find their own paths and measure progress in meaningful ways.
Our young artists were inspired by these values because they translate naturally into creative expression Words like “Ambition,” “Care,” “Respect,” and “Success” can become powerful visual statements bold slogans, colorful designs, or symbolic artworks. These values give artists a message to communicate and a purpose behind their creations We used traditional skills and innovative AI to create art
YORK COLLEGE EXHIBITIONS
“Thank you, HAF team from City of York College. We filled obver 300 spaces, we were safe, we were healthy, we were creative. Art Camp has never been better. Roll on summer!”
Greg McGee,
New Visuality
Confidence/ Creativity/ Culture...& Vitamins
