Fine Art students collaborate with MK Gallery on portable art project

Six Fine Art students from the University of Northampton have been working with MK Gallery on a new project that aims to engage members of the public to develop and share their social and political ideas in the form of artwork.

Abby Brown, Ro Derry, Aly Monk, Lucy Brown, Christopher Daubney and Emma Richardson are part of the new mobile artwork called Citizen Ship which is a portable pavilion resembling bus shelters and is part laboratory, part kiosk and part meeting place.

The students have been working with Freee Art Collective and Modern Architect to generate conversations with passers-by at different locations in Milton Keynes and to produce their ideas in the shape of badges, ribbons, vinyl and posters. The work will then be displayed in and around the Citizen Ship.

One of the University’s recent graduates, Dylan Fox, is the associate artist assistant at MK Gallery and is also involved in the project mentoring the students.

Andrew Hewitt, Associate Professor and artist with the Freee Art Collective, said ‘When developing research projects I try to find ways to include our students so they can gain experience of working in the arts sector and can further develop their own practice.

“For the Citizen Ship, several students have been involved in Freee’s projects. The visual arts scene in Northampton is fast developing and the University and its students are crucial in helping to build a sustainable, critical and culturally diverse arts sector in the town.”

The Citizen Ship is currently located at Milton Keynes Arts Centre in Great Linford until 8 July and will be at the Margaret Powell Square in Milton Keynes from 10 to 14 July before returning later in the year.

For more information please visit the MK Gallery website