The Faculty of Arts - Working with Others
Enterprise and employability are part of the core business of
York St John University. At the Faculty of Arts, we see it as part
of our mission to provide clear progression routes for students not
only into the world of work, but in many cases, into work that they
have created.
We forge a vast array of connections with local, national and
international businesses which are keen to help talented and
entrepreneurial students. Through those connections they can
develop a base in York and do business internationally.
We are also pride ourselves on our ability to assist our
students in building portfolio careers, collaborating with others
to research and develop opportunities which make the most of their
skills.
The Faculty of Arts can help students identify and develop the
skills which will allow them to build a flexible career in the
creative world. We have a team of creative practitioners who act as
mentors and guides to the exciting possibilities of a future in the
arts.
Writers at York St John
York St John University also hosts a contemporary literature
series with talks and taster sessions from a range of authors.
Among the authors who have recently discussed their creative
approach with YSJ students are Andrew Motion, Kate Atkinson,
Jackie Kay and Jack Mapanje (pictured).
Musicians at York St John
One of Europe’s leading young string quartets, the Tippett
Quartet performed selected works by legendary film score composer
Bernard Herrmann as part of the Hermann Hitchcock conference
in March 2011. They played an original composition of ‘Vertigo for
string quartet’ by David Lancaster, Head of Programme for Music at
York St John University and a new score by Ben Burrows, Head of
Programme for the Foundation Degree in Film & TV Production and
the Foundation Degree and BA in Music Production at York St John
University. It was the Tippett Quartet’s first visit to York.
Creative Business
York is a hotbed of creative talent.
Through constructive links, practical support and events, YSJ aims
to nurture and help develop creative business in the region.
The Faculty organises regular conferences dedicated to creative
businesses with guest speakers from the creative world. Among
the top names who have spoken at YSJ conferences are Kay Mellor,
the Yorkshire based scriptwriter and York St John Honorary Fellow,
and Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of the acclaimed fashion-house Red
or Dead.
Yorkshire Film Archive
Another recent event was
‘Archiving the Future’ which brought together archivists,
producers, filmmakers, editors, researchers, production assistants
and screenwriters. A set of lost films by legendary film makers
Mitchell and Kenyon, were screened as part of a the event, which
was held in partnership with the Yorkshire Film Archive,
based on the York St John campus.
Hands and Voices
In 2010, music students had an unique opportunity to work with
Hands and Voices, a choir for people with learning difficulties and
disabilities.
The 50-strong choir uses sign language to support the meaning of
its songs. And was “Community Ensemble in Residence” providing
placements for undergraduates who led warm ups, taught songs,
wrote material and joined in performances with the choir.
Converge
The Faculty last year was also very proud that Dr Nick Rowe and
a graduate Theatre student, Gemma Aldred won the Higher Education
Social Entrepreneurship Award for setting up a new theatre company
called 'Out of
Character', where YSJU students and external
participants, who are health service users, collaborate on
the making of theatre productions. ln 2009 Out of Character
were directed by the Associate artistic Director of the York Theatre Royal in
a sell out show based on the works of Franz Kafka. Their new
social enterprise project Converge aims to open up workshop
classes in music, dance and creative writing giving York St
John students a real opportunity to work with York based
community groups where the arts act as a powerful motivating
force.