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@opencollegearts & @ocastudentassociation believe in building an inclusive and respectful community. We collected submissions of work to illustrate and highlight some of the awareness days and events of 2025. We encouraged students to reflect on their own identity and cultural experiences whilst choosing a celebration or observance to base their submission on. We are now pleased to launch our 2025 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion calendar.

Thank you to all the students who submitted a piece for consideration. We hope you enjoy the diverse range of events and creative mediums displayed. You can find it via the link in our bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #EDICalendar

Happy New Year to All at OCA! Let's start the new year with some inspirational student work.

Kay Flockhart is currently studying stage 1 (HE4) @opencollegearts Drawing. "I am a mother of two young girls and we live in a small village in the Swiss Alps. I am originally from the UK. I face daily challenges, but studying at home I can navigate issues without additional stress. This is much more sustainable and I feel confident, which I feel shows in my work."

This work was completed by Kay for her project - Installing a Drawing.

"I went to the Corbrasierre Glacier to install my work. It was super interesting."

Thanks for sharing Kay and best of luck with your continuing studies! You can read about Kay's learning journey on our blog - link in the bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #OCAFriends #Creativity #Drawing #Installation

Look after your mental health & wellbeing over the holidays.

We recognise that the festive period may be hard for some. Remember @opencollegearts has a Health and Wellbeing directory on OCA Learn within the handbook where there is a range of information on charities and helplines that can support you in managing your own mental wellbeing.

We wish you rest, health and happiness as we close the year, here's to a creative 2025. Thank you to everyone who attended and organised study events, contributed to student stories and blogs, provided feedback and took part in our various collaborative callouts.

We're taking a short social media break and will be back in January.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #OCAFriends #Community

"I spent a large part of my childhood trying (and failing!) to be a performer in various am dram and youth theatre productions. This time spent failing over and over again has turned out to be incredibly valuable – one of my superpowers is my ability to fail, then fail again, but better. Viewing failure as an essential part of growth and therefore feeling able to take risks in my work is a very valuable part of my creative toolkit."

Read @opencollegearts Illustration tutor Robyn Wilson-Owen's post on the WeAreOCA blog - link in our bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #Tutor #Illustration #Illustrator #Degree #OnlineLearning #Creativity #Design #Failure #Success #Drawing

Today, 10 December, is Human Rights Day.

'It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.'

This powerful work was submitted for our EDI calendar callout 2024 and is by @opencollegearts student @sallyev.

We do encourage members of our OCA community to submit for our EDI calendar callout 2025 to help continue to raise awareness and celebrate important dates. Link in our bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAFriends #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity #HumanRights #UnitedNations #Equality #Diversity #Inclusion

Join in an event this week, hear from experts and get creative. #WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity #OCAFriends #Workshop #Lecture

@opencollegearts Photography student @mattelewispa shared these images from his series ‘A Jagged Circle’ as part of our Summer of Sustainability 2024.

“Through a fictional future narrative, this series delves into current anxieties surrounding environmental worries, and the climate crisis. A Jagged Circle is an allegory guided by these feelings, deep felt reservations and frustrations about present and future consequences of human activity.

Emerging into a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist embarks on a journey of survival, release and reconciliation. Behind the story is a rumination on the uneasy relationship the human species has with nature.

The character of this story grapples with his place in a new world, confronting his own nature and learning to survive. The viewer is invited to imagine potential endings, or new beginnings for the story of humanity.”

Thanks so much for sharing Matt!

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #SummerOfSustainability #OnlineLearning #Degree #Photography #ClimateCrisis #Environment #Sustainability #Nature #Humanity #Creativity

The third issue of the @opencollegearts Creative Writing online magazine Bookmarked - Glow of Midnight – is going live on the 5th December.

Join the team for a live reading event to celebrate the launch at 7pm GMT tomorrow, Thursday! We would love to see you there! Events link in our bio.

Here's a snippet of what to expect.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #OCAFriends #Degree #CreativeWriting #OnlineMagazine #Fiction #Prose #Books #Literary #Creativity

We invite you to come along, experiment with whatever materials you have at hand, and don't forget to kick back and relax in this 2 hour session of life drawing. Join @2bornot2bcollective and @eliana.orquidea tomorrow - Wednesday evening. Who's coming?

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #LifeDrawing #Creativity #ArtAndDesign #OCAFriends #Collaboration

Issue 13 our zine - edge - will be live on 19 December. The theme is Home.

We were in awe with both the fantastic responses and the volume of submissions which gave the selection team of five student volunteers a very tricky job indeed to whittle it down. Well done and thank you to them!

Unfortunately not all submissions could be included but here is a selection of those responses, a sneak peek of what is to come.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

@artroger23 , @trinemw_art , @fayebardo , @fishbits , @absyflabsy , @the_genuine_g ,

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #Zine #OCAedgezine #Home #OnlineLearning #Creativity #Degree

Happy National Illustration Day - today 29 November!

Showcased here is some of our fabulous @opencollegearts Illustration students' work;
@Njc_illustration, @absyflabsy, @colour_vision_designs, @yourartistfriendizz, @jennyh_illustration, @catsavina.art and @tiffanyscattergoodillustration

Join us and @qbcentre and fill social media with a celebration of illustration!

#NationalIllustrationDay2024 #WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #OCAIllustration #Illustration #Creativity

In a recent blog post @opencollegearts Creative Arts tutor Rachel Smith shared their trip to The Small Publishers Fair - an annual gathering of books by writers, artists, poets, musicians, book designers and their publishers. Link in our bio to the blog.

This video is of Rachel's amazing work;

"My hand-made loose leaf bookwork 'stopping. Or' explores the material possibilities of the full stop as an interval or break in the process of reading and writing. A moment to take breath. The function of a full stop is to close, consequently also to open. To curtail and to expand.

'The Logic of Sense' by Gilles Deleuze offered source material to parse. By extracting the closing and opening words either side of a full stop, the newly fragmented text offers further gaps for the inherent potential of the as-yet-unthought. Scaled fullstops are printed, embossed, and cut from the page surface to reveal elements of text and image beneath. Some cut textual elements are stitched back into the page space to offer moveable and tangential connections across existing fragmented phrases."

#WeAreOCA #OCAFriends #OCACreativeArts #OCAStudentAssociation #Books #ArtistBooks #HandmadeBooks #SmallPublishers #BookFair #Creativity

@opencollegearts Fine Art student @sunnybraestudio submitted this work for our Summer of Sustainability 2024.

“I try to recycle materials that might have been used for other purposes whenever possible, and give them new life. Ailsa Craig is a needle felt piece made from local wool that comes from farms that might normally dump the wool as it often costs more to sheer the sheep than it does to sell the wool. A local textile artist buys it and turns much of it into rugs. Another local artist dyes it and sells it in her felting shop, so it allows this wonderful material to be used by many local people, including myself.

Mandala is an ink and lino print artwork which incorporates mother nature and the environment with hints of wind, water, earth and space. The golden running hare shines a light on their numbers declining in the UK.

The Moth picture is titled 'The (Not So) Common Garden Tiger Moth' and is a lino print with gold ink. It is printed on recycled silk, made from Indian sarees. I have aimed to make the moth look transparent, signifying it's another species that is disappearing in the U.K. due to the use of insecticides used on our pet dogs and cats.”

Thanks for sharing Lyndsey!

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #OCAFriends #Degree #ArtsAndEnvironment #Sustainability #FineArt #Creativity #Recycle #Upcycle

Today, November 20, is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to memorialise those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia.

This work was submitted for our 2024 EDI Calendar and depicts Marsha P Johnson. Johnson was an American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Known as an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969.

#WeAreOCA #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #TransRights #TDoR #LGBTQIA+ #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity

@opencollegearts & @ocastudentassociation believe in building an inclusive and respectful community and we want your help in putting together an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion calendar for 2025.

Check out our 2024 edition in the video. View submission guidelines and further information on the link in our bio. We welcome submissions from across our OCA community of students, tutors, HQ staff and alumni. We'd love for you to get involved.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #Degree #OCAFriends #Community #Collaboration #EDI #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #Calendar #Art #Design #Music #CreativeWriting

Today, November 13, is World Kindness Day.

'This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.'

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #Kindness #BeKind #WorldKindnessDay #Compassion #Empathy #Creativity #OnlineLearning #Degree

"When I became a mum I focused on my family and put my art tools away. Once my children grew up I felt I needed to reconnect with my real self, art was what was missing in me. I researched different courses and OCA fitted in with all my needs. I realised I could work as well as study and manage my time accordingly. I also have a silent disability so OCA and their team have been very supportive."

Read about @opencollegearts textiles student @artpuffalump learning journey on our blog - link in our bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OnlineLearning #OCATextiles #OCAFriends #Textiles #Degree #Creativity

This work by @slowunravelling was submitted as part of our Summer of Sustainability 2024.

“I am interested in materiality and how it expresses our human experiences. I am currently working with cloth and natural materials such as earth, ochre and stone to explore our relationship with the broader natural world and bring about a closer understanding of how we can coexist more harmoniously and sustainably.”

Thanks for sharing Julie!

Remember as an @opencollegearts student you can access our Arts, Environment and Sustainability online resource on OCA Learn.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #SummerOfSustainability #Sustainable #ClimateChange #Environment #NaturalMaterials #Degree #OnlineLearning #Creativity

"Drawing in a technical or expressive way has been introduced to me through studying graphic design somewhat thirty years ago, where I received my Diploma of Higher Education. Although I decided to follow a different creative career after that, drawing mainly and less painting, the activities where I can withdraw from everything and have quality time with myself have remained. Which is more often and more important to me as I grow older. Going into a drawing degree was a no-brainer for me. I realised that I needed a different stimulus than just my local library books or those short online courses. I wanted a challenge and to explore what drawing can be, as it sits at the core of many disciplines. A degree in drawing has the potential to lead you to various creative pathways. I have an open mind for the outcome, as I am realising project after project, new concepts cascading from my creative activity, and my thought process is developing alongside."

@opencollegearts Drawing student Konstantinos Efthymiou in conversation with Programme Leader Emma Drye, find it on our WeAreOCA blog. Link in our bio.

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #OnlineLearning #Drawing #Creativity #SustainingPractice #Degree

It’s World Mental Health Day today 10 October.

@opencollegearts Painting student Lindsay Servian submitted this image as part of our EDI calendar callout.

“The viewer is asked to consider the mental health of the marginalised figure within the inner picture; and not just gloss over to the bright horizon.

My original inspiration came when I was jogging and found refuge from a heavy downpour in a (traditional red) phone box. I was reminded of attitudes when I was young to any form of depression and wishing to "get away" being viewed as an indulgence compared to the hell and loss of my parent's generation from the war. And whether that attitude was a balanced view (the mental health of both sides), a real disinterest, or an inability to know how to handle the situation.”

From @mindcharity - We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis. 2 million people are currently stuck on waiting lists for NHS mental health services. And on top of this, mental health stigma is still a significant issue. Real people, being left behind by a broken mental health system.

#WeAreOCA #OnlineLearning #OCAStudentAssociation #MentalHealthAwareness #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #WorldMentalHealthDay

@opencollegearts BA (Hons) Creative Arts Stage Two student, Brindusa Burrows, recently delivered a TEDx talk in Geneva, Switzerland, titled 'What Have I Learnt from Making Art?'.

In her talk, Brindusa shared her personal journey as an artist, reflecting on the invaluable lessons she has learnt through the creative process and how these insights have influenced her approach to art-making, teaching, and advocating for sustainability.

Watch the video and find out more about Brindusa's work on our WeAreOCA blog site - link in our bio.

Congratulations @brindusaf

#WeAreOCA #OnlineLearning #Degree #Creativity #CreativeArts #OCAStudentAssociation #OCACreativeArts #OCAFriends #Sustainability #SustainingPractice #TedTalk #Art #Teaching

Farewell to @opencollegearts tutor Simon Manfield

"As a Programme Leader, it is always with mixed feelings that I hear a tutor is leaving to go and do something exciting with the practice. I am of course pleased, as one artist to another, that drawing tutor Simon Manfield has taken that bold step to focus on his own practice, but we will all miss him dreadfully. The balance of the drawing department will take time to resettle without his calm and generous presence. I took the time before he leaves to have a conversation with him about his time with us and his plans."

Read Emma Drye, Programme Leader for Drawing and Painting, blog post on WeAreOCA - Link in our bio.

Image: Simon Manfield: Narrabeen Lagoon A Walk with my Brother.

#WeAreOCA #OnlineLearning #Drawing #Artist #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #SustainingPractice

@opencollegearts online lunchtime concert series begins on Tuesday 24 September at 12.30 BST, with Tony Roberts performing on guitar. The concerts will be open to all of OCA, staff and students, and will be an informal opportunity to share performances with a supportive audience.

Everyone is Welcome!

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAMusic #OCAFriends #Music #Concert #OnlineLearning #Degree #Composition #Studying #Guitar

@opencollegearts Photography student Jane Robb made this video on decomposition for their Project 3 of 1.1 Approaching Photography for the response to sustainability.

“An aspect of my work involves found natural materials which I layer to make new interpretations of the world around me. In this project, I collected partially decomposed foodstuffs from the compost pile I made at the back of the garden during lockdown. I have a background in geology, and I have always loved images of rocks and minerals through a polarising microscope. I wanted to capture the experience of viewing the world in this way by creatively visualising the rich mineralogical changes that are happening in the soil all the time, a process that is often hidden and unknown. My understanding of chemical and physical processes helps me to connect to a more sustainable mindset, recognising the roles of time and transformation. I also relate the concept of decomposition to where I am in my creative journey now, taking time to enrich the soil of my practice before I find the energy and right nutrients to grow.”

Thank you Jane for submitting your work for our Summer of Sustainability!

#WeAreOCA #OCAStudentAssociation #OCAFriends #OnlineLearning #Degree #SummerOfSustainability #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Environment #EcoAwareness #Photography #Design #Video #Decomposition

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Upcoming Events

Wed, 08 Jan
Photography Social Group - Balwinder Bhatla
Online Discussion
RSVP
08 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00
Online Discussion
For our first event of 2025 we are pleased to welcome Balwinder Bhatla to speak to us. Bal is going to talk to us about getting commissions and reflecting your own style in your work - hopefully sharing some of his own work along the way.
Thu, 09 Jan
Intro to handmade film with sound
Online Workshop
RSVP
09 Jan 2025, 18:00 – 20:00
Online Workshop
In this workshop we will be introduced to handmade film with sound - what is the advantage to this method of work - do still images have any potential to become a film?
Wed, 15 Jan
The 12 - David Gorton
Online Lecture
RSVP
15 Jan 2025, 18:00 – 19:00
Online Lecture
David Gorton is a composer and artist-researcher. A winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society composition prize, he has worked with ensembles that include the London Sinfonietta, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and Ensemble Exposé.
Fri, 17 Jan
Aspirations 10: In person study event
Doncaster
RSVP
17 Jan 2025, 10:00 – 15:00
Doncaster, The Point, S Parade, Doncaster DN1 2DR, UK
Join tutor Les Monaghan in Doncaster to view his exhibition and hear him speak about freelance practice, collaboration and funding.
Fri, 17 Jan
Aspirations 10: Online event
Online Conversation
RSVP
17 Jan 2025, 11:00 – 12:00
Online Conversation
Join tutor Les Monaghan online as we livestream an OCASA x Creative Conversations event from Doncaster to hear Les speak about freelance practice, collaboration and funding.
Mon, 20 Jan
Women Artists Through Their Words - 6. Judy Chicago
Online Event
RSVP
20 Jan 2025, 18:00 – 20:00
Online Event
Join writer, editor and curator Anna McNay to learn about a selection of better- and lesser-well known women artists, from across the ages and working in different mediums, by listening to them talk about their art - and their lives more generally - in their own words.
Mon, 17 Feb
Women Artists Through Their Words - 7. Marina Abramovic
Online Event
RSVP
17 Feb 2025, 18:00 – 20:00
Online Event
Join writer, editor and curator Anna McNay to learn about a selection of better- and lesser-well known women artists, from across the ages and working in different mediums, by listening to them talk about their art - and their lives more generally - in their own words.
Wed, 19 Feb
Narrative Textiles
Online Workshop
RSVP
19 Feb 2025, 18:00 – 19:30
Online Workshop
Join Ailish Henderson, former student at the OCA to learn how to use your own story to develop your artwork.
Tue, 11 Mar
The 12 - Claire Wellesley-Smith
Online lecture
RSVP
11 Mar 2025, 18:00 – 19:00
Online lecture
Claire Wellesley-Smith is an artist, curator, writer and researcher based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Her projects are situated within arts, heritage, and creative health.
Date and time is TBD
Arts, the Environment & Sustainability Resource Hub
Online Resource
Learn more
Date and time is TBD
Online Resource
OCA Staff and students are invited to browse our new Arts, the Environment & Sustainability hub on our Virtual Learning Environment.
Time is TBD
OCA's Big Draw 2023 - Ongoing & Open
Online Activity
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Time is TBD
Online Activity
Drawing With Senses online short course,
Time is TBD
OCA Technology Support Workshops
Technology Workshops
Learn more
Time is TBD
Technology Workshops