The first session included artists Aidan D’Abet, Harriet Lawson and Lenny & Whale. Their works include the new temporary installation on the Arcade facades, ‘Tales from t’Mill’ at Dewsbury Craft Centre and an upcoming piece called ‘Tapestries’.

The second talk featured Emmeline North, Saba Rifat and Zachary Eastwood-Bloom. Saba worked with Kirklees College students on her transformation of the underpass on Rishworth Road; Emmeline and her team ‘Cubic Fruit’ designed the new ‘dewsbury’ letters outside the town hall and Zac will also be working with Kirklees College students on his upcoming project.

These talks were a fantastic opportunity for students and budding artists from the area to hear about the artist’s personal career pathways, often overcoming setbacks, and hopefully inspired attendees to pursue their own goals.

Kate Watson, Principal Consultant of Beam commented:

“Through the Dewsbury Creative Town programme, we’ve collaborated with Kirklees College on a number of projects so it was great to partner with them to host a series of artist talks reflecting back over the last few years. This was a fantastic opportunity to hear from six of our commissioned artists about their creative journeys and how passionate they are about engaging communities in their work.”

Warren Dunn, Curriculum Area Manager for Creative Industries at Kirklees College said:

“This was just one of many activities we have hosted in support of Dewsbury Creative Town and working with them has allowed many of our students to gain valuable experience working with artists. Our students will also be working with Zac on his upcoming project, and as Kirklees College alumni, this will emphasise to students that they too can have a successful career in art and design.”

Photos (C): Kirklees College + Beam