Art exhibition reveals secrets of science at South Bank Arts Centre

Pic caption:
l-r Ian Pryce (Principal and Chief Exec), Sue Blackman (Director of Centre for the Arts) and artist Julie Freeman

World renowned local artist Julie Freeman has launched an art exhibition at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre, open to the public until 12 March.

Julie began life in Dunstable where she attended Dunstable College for 2 years studying Graphic Design. She gained a BSc at Plymouth University and ran a media design company “Studio Fish” in London where she worked with the Hayward Gallery, the BBC and the Science Museum.

Julie is Artist in Residence at the Microsystems & Nanotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, and Associate Researcher at Goldsmiths Digital Studio. She holds an MA in Digital Art from the Lansdown Centre for Electronic Arts, Middlesex University, and is a NESTA fellow and Wellcome Trust arts awardee. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Science Museum, and internationally in Brazil, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Russia, and the USA.

The exhibition “In Particular” features 16 graphic artworks and 16 texts that draw inspiration from nanotechnology. Julie collaborated with Professor Jeremy Ramsden to understand the science behind the stories.

Talking about “In Particular” to be exhibited at the South Bank Arts Centre, Julie says:

“I’ve always been seduced by technology – how it can be used to interact and communicate with the natural world, enabling appreciation of the obscured or concealed, and how it can exhibit truth or lies with equal gravitas, sometimes purposefully misinterpreting reality. I am interested in the translation of hidden biological systems through abstraction or metaphor, as graphic, sound, animation or object. My work is rarely predictable, I often feel I construct open frameworks which allow the free flow of content into them.”
Sue Blackman, Director of Centre for the Arts, added:

“I am delighted to welcome visiting artists to our gallery space in the South Bank Arts Centre.

“This is a living contemporary art space for the community where they will see a wide range of art including photography, film, animation, graphic design, fashion and textiles. The visiting artists will also offer workshops and lectures to our students. We want to reach out to our local community and encourage people to come along and see for themselves the talent that is at the heart of Bedford.

“The South Bank Arts Centre is a community space for the artistic talent of local people. This is the place where people can access or create art, with a buzz of creativity all year round. We have recording studios, theatre and art studios and a variety of space that the local community can hire.

“I am keen to encourage local contemporary artists, including ex students, to use the centre as a launch pad for their talent and careers and a platform to exhibit their work.”

Exhibition dates:
15Jan-19Feb Julie Freeman
22 Feb–12 March Rosalind Davis (mixed media painter and graduate of RCA fusing embroidery, print and paint to create complex and dystopian landscapes).

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.
2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.
3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk
4. Photographs available from Manners PR.
5. For more about Julie Freeman see www.translatingnature.org
6. For more about the “In Particular” project see www.in-particular.net

Bedford Learning Centre Celebrates Student Success

Pic caption:
l-r Pauline Woodward (Manager of Bedford Learning Centre), Michelle and David Farmer, Sharon Retson (Director, Bright Learning Solutions) and Sharon Chinneck (Director of Enterprise Bedford College).

An Achievers Evening at Bedford Learning Centre on 20 January celebrated the success of students who have achieved IT qualifications, boosting their CVs, career opportunities and confidence.

Part of Bedford College, the Bedford Learning Centre was set up in 2001 and has helped over 6,000 local people to develop their IT skills, knowledge and understanding to help ensure they get the best from their computers.

Pauline Woodward, manager of the Bedford Learning Centre, congratulating achievers said:

“We are all here to celebrate your success and are proud to have been part of that success. We are aware it is often a real juggling act to fit study around your other commitments. Well done to everyone who has achieved success at the Bedford Learning Centre.”

Bedford Learning Centre is an important part of Bedford College’s success and this year has been outstanding. In January Bedford College achieved outstanding Ofsted, in June Beacon status and in August Shuttleworth College became part of Bedford College.

As part of Bedford College, the Learning Centres are fully equipped IT centres set up on the doorsteps of local people in Bedford, Luton and Rushden. They offer people from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and ages the chance to tap into IT courses to improve their skills and life or career opportunities.

With over 550 people currently studying across all three Learning Centres, a variety of courses are on offer including Literacy and Numeracy, Introduction to Computers ITQ (level 2 qualification) and short courses including Web Design and Photo Editing.

Students who achieved success included:

Pete Martin:

Pete returned to Bedford after living in Canada and Australia for the last 4 years and wanted to upgrade his IT skills.

He explained:

“I am trying to find a job in Marketing/Advertising/Sales and wanted to strengthen my CV with a sound knowledge of IT to meet the demands of job descriptions.

“Recently I’ve been working in Peterborough advertising a new walk-in centre and definitely got that job as a result of the training at the Bedford Learning Centre.

“The flexibility of study here was really helpful as it fitted in with work patterns. It was tough but worth it.”

Charles Stallard:

After successfully achieving NVQ 2, Charles is considering going on to study further at level 3.

He said:

“This is unlike any training courses I have undertaken before – it’s so much better. The flexibility of being able to come in for 2 hour sessions when it suits you is extremely helpful. I’ve also completed some project work at home and that fits in well with other commitments.

My wife and I joined the Bedford Learning Centre after seeing a leaflet and attending a free session. We have both achieved success and are delighted we decided to come here.

As a bus driver, I don’t need the IT skills for my job but am already using them in clubs and organisations I belong to at work and church.

Kayleigh Cook:

Kayleigh sees the Bedford Learning Centre as a stepping stone into web design and plans to study further at Bedford College.

She will be using her new skills to design a website for the shop where she works and sees internet shopping as vital to businesses today.

Kayleigh explained that the flexible study plans and 1:1 assistance from tutors was of great benefit, especially as she is dyslexic and added:

“The tutors take time to explain and are really helpful – I am trying to persuade friends to come along and study here. I noticed the Bedford Learning Centre from the High Street and came along to the open day – I haven’t looked back since.”

David Crumlin:

David decided to upgrade his skills and gain an IT qualification after being made redundant. He explained:

“I have enjoyed studying at the Bedford Learning Centre and it came at the right time for me. The flexibility of study here has been really helpful, along with the tutors who always find time to explain when needed. I have now retired but the skills I have learnt here are really useful.

“I would definitely tell anyone to come along and find out themselves how the Bedford Learning Centre can help them.”

David Farmer was delighted to win a laptop in a prize draw, and Brenda Griffiths thrilled to win books in an IT quiz competition, sponsored by Bright Learning Solutions who assist Bedford College in running the Learning Centres.

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info: Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Women into Construction and Engineering

Mel and Sandra of Pink Ladders will be at WICed talking about their successful business on
Friday 5 February 2010 (10.00 am to 3.00 pm)
Bunyan Centre, Mile Road, Bedford.

Bedford College is to stage WiC-ed for the third year running, this year widening participation to attract a regional audience of industry professionals, employers and stakeholders.

Women of all ages, from school students to women who want a change of career, are invited to attend WIC-ed to find out about the varied careers available in the Construction and Engineering fields. Participants will be able to take part in many practical activities, talk to professionals from the industry about the opportunities available and receive practical advice and guidance from industry experts about getting started on a career for life.

The Construction and Engineering industries offer a wide range of career opportunities for women. There will be many women professionals at the event who can tell you how they started their careers and progressed in the industry or started their own business, and offer hands on advice.

Warren Edwards, Director for Technology and Construction at Bedford College, said:

“We need to redress inequalities of women working in the Construction and Engineering industry and by training women in construction and engineering skills we can do that. There are fantastic career opportunities in these industries which include traditional craft trades and highly paid professions such as construction management, architecture and surveying, aero, mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. Women are in demand in the modern world and help to build and sustain the world of today and the future through science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. Many will have studied at Bedford College.

“Bedford College is at the forefront of sustainability and renewable energy technologies. We offer courses spanning from traditional skills to those embracing the latest renewable and sustainable technologies and have developed many partnerships in this growing industry.

“As more people become aware of the need to conserve energy there will be more demand for these new technologies. We provide the courses so that industry is ready to meet that demand.”

Bedford College's high-tech Construction and Technology Centre is rated one of the best of its kind in the region by Ofsted. The College is recognised by the Government as a Training Quality Standard (TQS) provider for its work with employers.

For more information contact: Bedford College on 01234 291000.

Editors' notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. Photographs available from Manners PR.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

5. List of WiC-ed sponsors are
ConstructionSkills
Bedford College
Barnfield College
Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business
Partnership (BLEBP)
Construction
Construction Industry Council
Aim Higher
Train 4 Trade Skills
Construction Training Ltd
Constructing Excellence
Institute of Structural Engineers

Meerkats at Shuttleworth - anything but a "seemple" life

Meerkats have moved into Shuttleworth College where a palatial mansion house and stunning grounds are in keeping with the lifestyle of master of all meerkats Aleksandr Orlov, currently residing in Moscow.

With over half a million Facebook fans and 24,000 Tweeter followers, Aleksandra is known to lead anything but the “seemple” life as successful businessKat and founder of comparethemeerkat.com

Carl Groombridge (manager/lecturer) of the Animal Care Centre at Shuttleworth College explained that he receives lots of enquiries from visitors about meerkats and added:

“Meerkats have become one of our most popular animals with visitors asking questions about these fascinating creatures. With blasts of cold weather from Russia at the moment, Shuttleworth would be a home from home for Aleksandra and his team.”

Meerkats are one of the animals that are at home at Shuttleworth College, along with just about every family of species in the world including exotic species from amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles, to birds and larger animals.

Shuttleworth College provides a stimulating environment where students learn about animal husbandry, how to create and build habitats from scratch to meet wildlife standards and develop breeding programmes. The aim is to give students a taste of all aspects of animal welfare and management in preparation for careers from practical hands-on jobs to highly academic research and scientific opportunities.

Editors' notes

1. Shuttleworth College in Central Bedfordshire became part of Beacon Status and outstanding Ofsted winner Bedford College on 7 August 2009.

2. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

3. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

4. Photographs available.

Learning Centres Celebrate Student Success

Learning Centres in Bedford, Luton and Rushden celebrated student success at Achievers Evenings held in December and January.

David Pridmore, Deputy Principal and Director of Bedford College, said:

“Thanks to all staff for their commitment and dedication to the work of the Learning Centres. Your efforts are recognised in the success of the learners who have achieved so much.”

Esther Rantzen campaigner, journalist, president and founder of Childline and prospective MP for Luton South, met students and staff at the Luton Learning Centre and said:

“I want to congratulate all staff and learners on the achievement of mastering the art of computer science.

“Through these skills not only have you given yourselves new opportunities, skills and new careers but it has made me feel perhaps I can sign up here!

“I am here because I love Luton – I think it is terrific. I fell in love with it at first sight. Congratulations on your home town and on your success at the Luton Learning Centre.”

Up to 100 students were presented with certificates at each Learning Centre, celebrating their achievements in ITQ. This qualification not only gives people IT skills and qualifications, recognised by employers worldwide, but boosts confidence and gives them the opportunity to move up the career ladder.

As part of Bedford College, the Learning Centres are fully equipped IT centres set up on the doorsteps of local people in Bedford, Luton and Rushden. They offer people from all cultural backgrounds, abilities and ages the chance to tap into IT courses to improve their skills and life or career opportunities.

Each Learning Centre has 30 computers installed with the latest software and offer free training at flexible times to suit individual lifestyles.

With over 550 people currently studying across all three Learning Centres, a variety of courses are on offer including Literacy and Numeracy, Introduction to Computers ITQ (level 2 qualification) and short courses including Web Design and Photo Editing.

Learning Centres offer a range of different courses that support learners with no or little computer skills to those who need to update or brush up existing skills.

A winning prize of a laptop was offered at a prize draw held at each Achievers Evening, sponsored by Bright Learning Solutions.

Editors’ notes

1. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

2. For more info: Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

3. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

Art to Art at South Bank Arts Centre

World renowned local artist Julie Freeman is to launch an exhibition at Bedford College’s South Bank Arts Centre that will see visiting artists bringing art to art students and local people.

The exhibition begins on 15 January 2010 with a private view of Julie Freeman’s work that will be open to the public from 18 January. Two exhibitions follow hot on the heels of Julie’s work and run until 12 March (see below).

Julie began life in Dunstable where she attended Dunstable College for 2 years studying Graphic Design. She gained a BSc at Plymouth University and ran a media design company “Studio Fish” in London where she worked with the Hayward Gallery, the BBC and the Science Museum.

Julie is Artist in Residence at the Microsystems & Nanotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, and Associate Researcher at Goldsmiths Digital Studio. She holds an MA in Digital Art from the Lansdown Centre for Electronic Arts, Middlesex University, and is a NESTA fellow and Wellcome Trust arts awardee. Her work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Science Museum, and internationally in Brazil, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Russia, and the USA.

The exhibition “In Particular” features 16 graphic artworks and 16 texts that draw inspiration from nanotechnology. Julie collaborated with Professor Jeremy Ramsden to understand the science behind the stories.

Talking about “In Particular” to be exhibited at the South Bank Arts Centre, Julie says:

“I’ve always been seduced by technology – how it can be used to interact and communicate with the natural world, enabling appreciation of the obscured or concealed, and how it can exhibit truth or lies with equal gravitas, sometimes purposefully misinterpreting reality. I am interested in the translation of hidden biological systems through abstraction or metaphor, as graphic, sound, animation or object. My work is rarely predictable, I often feel I construct open frameworks which allow the free flow of content into them.”
Sue Blackman, Director of Centre for the Arts, added:

“I am delighted to welcome visiting artists to our gallery space in the South Bank Arts Centre.

“This is a living contemporary art space for the community where they will see a wide range of art including photography, film, animation, graphic design, fashion and textiles. The visiting artists will also offer workshops and lectures to our students. We want to reach out to our local community and encourage people to come along and see for themselves the talent that is at the heart of Bedford.

“The South Bank Arts Centre is a community space for the artistic talent of local people. This is the place where people can access or create art, with a buzz of creativity all year round. We have recording studios, theatre and art studios and a variety of space that the local community can hire.

“I am keen to encourage local contemporary artists, including ex students, to use the centre as a launch pad for their talent and careers and a platform to exhibit their work.”

Exhibition dates:
18-29 Jan Julie Freeman
1-12 Feb Students - graphics posters
22 Feb–12 March Rosalind Davis (mixed media painter and graduate of RCA fusing embroidery, print and paint to create complex and dystopian landscapes).

Editors' notes

1. Media welcome to private review on 15 January (12.30-2.00 pm) – invitation only event.

2. Issued by Manners PR for Bedford College.

3. For more info contact Sue Gough at Manners PR on 07921 514 940.

4. For more about Bedford College see www.bedford.ac.uk

5. Photographs available from Manners PR.

6. For more about Julie Freeman see www.translatingnature.org

7. For more about the “In Particular” project see www.in-particular.net