News / UWE Bristol
Exhibition to celebrate students’ creative agency
The works of students from a creative agency led by UWE Bristol are to go on display at Arnolfini.
Launched in 2023, New Wave Creative Agency is an initiative that provides transformative opportunities for students facing barriers to entering the creative industries, such as challenges related to race, gender, disability, social capital, or socioeconomic status.
Created as part of the university’s School of Arts, New Wave is committed to building a more inclusive creative sector.
is needed now More than ever
It aims to offer equitable opportunities for students and recent graduates who face multiple obstacles in pursuing careers in the industry.
In collaboration with the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, New Wave works with students utilising the employability bursary to create sculptures to exhibit and sell during the annual Easter Sculpture weekend
This initiative was developed in response to research highlighting underrepresentation in creative careers, especially among women, people of the global majority, individuals with disabilities, and those from working-class backgrounds, particularly outside of London and the South East.
New Wave offers valuable commercial experience, helping students build essential skills, confidence, and professional connections. Students also gain the chance to collaborate with real clients, providing exposure to practical aspects of the industry.
One example of New Wave’s work is a project where ceramic slugs, created by student Ripley Gosling (BA Illustration), crawl around books on a shelf. This sculpture was developed in partnership with the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, and students create similar works to be exhibited and sold during the annual Easter Sculpture weekend.
A still from a documentary on the Bristol 100 project, celebrating 100 years of Bristol Youth Orchestra
Anneliese Paul, Creative Agency lead, explained that New Wave is redefining traditional approaches to professional experience in higher education. She said: “We prioritise students with limited professional experience to promote equitable inclusion.
“We are ambitious about increasing diversity and inclusion in the creative workforce.”
Students have already contributed to notable projects, such as a commission by Apply Within to brighten a new office in Broadmead, Bristol, offering them vital insights into the commissioning process.
Clive Watson, UWE Bristol Graphic Design alum and creative director of Apply Within, commissioned artwork from 64 students across Illustration, Fine Art, Animation, Photography, and Media Production courses.
This hands-on experience gave students invaluable insights into the commissioning process, including client meetings, feedback management, and installation.
An innovative start-up, Peequal (gender-equalising toilets) needed creative ideas to communicate how to use the urinals and generate awareness through merchandise
“The project was a great success – everyone was happy,” said Watson.
“It’s hard for students to find a stepping stone into the real world. This project completed the circle – starting with my studies at Bower Ashton and my own career journey. I was pleased to work alongside students and offer them opportunities in a commercial environment.”
The New Wave exhibition runs from February 8 to March 16 2025 at Arnolfini.
To learn more about New Wave Creative Agency, visit theagency.uwe.ac.uk
All photos: UWE Bristol
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