Barnsley College Creative students gain industry insight

The Creative Industry Week was organised by the Creative Industries and Enterprise departments to allow students from Art and Design and Media, Music and Performing Arts courses to hear from industry experts. This included professionals such as Milliner, Sherry Richardson; Everly Pregnant Brothers Lead Singer, Shaun Doane; Emmerdale First Assistant Director, Rachel Jovanovic; and Camera Operator, Amy Lowes.

The talks gave the students an invaluable insight into the professional lives of composers, artists and performers. The speakers talked to the students about their individual career journeys, behind the scenes industry secrets and gave the students helpful tips they can use on their own career journeys.

The week also included specialist workshops such as a music masterclass with Musical Director Dave Culling; Graphic Design skills with Ginger Fox Studios; and Chinese Dance training with the Wanlin Dance School. These workshops helped the students develop their skills within their chosen discipline.

Event organiser, Kat Jackson, Senior Tutorial Team Leader at Barnsley College said: “Industry week has been an opportunity for Barnsley College to showcase a variety of professionals who work in the Creative Industries as an influential tool for raising aspirations with our students. Across the departments we cater for a wide and diverse career sector covering Fashion, iMedia, Music, Photography, Graphic Design, Games Design, Journalism, Dance, Performing Arts and Film and TV and it was great to be able to host professionals from all of these backgrounds.

“Some of the Creative Industry Week highlights included Jenny Beard, a former Barnsley College Art student who has just had her first solo art show at the Civic, Kay Heeley a business woman who creates fashion show pieces for Jane Macdonald, and Composer Chris Haigh who creates music for film and games trailers. The students who attended the sessions were thrilled at the variety of talks and workshops and found the week both educational and enjoyable.”