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The Art Jam at Futureworks was not just another event; it was a manifestation of a vision to bring art back to its joyous roots.
Kathleen Cheesley, the event’s organiser, and a student at Futureworks, conceived the idea during a moment of reflection on the pressures of her final year. “I was initially planning it as a fun way to take a break from Uni work and a way to generate quick project ideas for my PPD module,” Kathleen explained. Struggling with burnout, a common adversary for many artists, she sought to create an oasis where creativity could flow unencumbered by the demands of perfection or completion.
The event drew inspiration from collaborative and creatively liberating gatherings like the Global Game Jam and Life Drawing sessions. Kathleen aimed to replicate the spontaneity and freedom of these formats, ensuring that the Art Jam was a space where every student could create, experiment, and collaborate without the stress of polished results. “This was supposed to be an idea where anyone could create a piece of work/generate ideas without having to stress about having a finished piece in the end,” she remarked.
By integrating these elements, the Art Jam aimed to foster a supportive community environment where students could rediscover the simple pleasure of creating art, an essential reminder in the demanding atmosphere of final-year studies.
And the Winners Are….
The people’s vote winners were:
- Charlotte Johnson Game Art Year 2
- Em Marshall Game Art Year 3
The Lucky Dip winners were:
- Susie Connaughton Game Design Year 3
- Millie Mulvena Audio Engineering Year 1
The Art Jam at Futureworks proved to be a resounding success, bringing together students from various disciplines to share, create, and inspire one another. The event not only provided a much-needed respite from the academic pressures but also rekindled the joy of art-making in a communal setting. Kathleen’s initiative to establish this creative enclave was met with enthusiasm, and the positive feedback has paved the way for future events.
Kathleen is hopeful about the continuation of this event, already planning to host mini challenges on the Discord server over the summer to keep the creative momentum going. “It was great how many people joined, and I am hopeful that I can continue this,” she said, reflecting on the event’s success and the vibrant community that has started to flourish around these ideas.
As Futureworks looks forward to hosting more events like the Art Jam, we invite all students and faculty to stay engaged and contribute to making the campus a dynamic and innovative environment. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned creator, the Art Jam is a testament to the creative spirit that thrives at Futureworks, promising more opportunities for artistic exploration and expression in the future.
