Tom Ball writes: It is interesting to record that in the past the Company used to offer a prize
for the best Measured Drawing exhibited in the RA’s Summer Exhibition. Since
draughting a Measured Drawing has been replaced by other means, we have
moved on to making a donation to support a much more practical process which
includes the furtherance of architecture. ‘attRAct’ is managed by Nicky White and
run by Ann Gilmore of the RA.
From the Company’s Charitable Funds, the Company has made a donation
to the Royal Academy’s ‘attRAct’ Project . The Project invites heads of 26 schools in
London to each nominate two ‘art students’ who are considered would benefit from
attending a series of ‘events’ over the academic year. Once accepted by the RA the
young people from varying backgrounds are introduced and experience a wide
range of ‘ the arts’. In 2015 some 48 events were held.
The Project draws from the RA’s range of Academicians, to show and have
hands on sessions when possible. These include etching, sculpture, painting, design
and architecture. Since the Project started, a number of students have gone on to
architecture schools – including Cambridge, London Metropolitan, Bartlett, Glasgow,
Bath and Nottingham .
From the moment a young person has been selected for the Project they are
personally responsible for attendance and performance – the school having agreed
that they may attend attRAct instead of a class/classes on the particular event day.
Past Project attendees are invited to attend relevant projects, giving their advice on
portfolio assembling and their experience on subsequent courses.
The feed back from those attending the Project shows that they not only
enjoy and benefit from the sessions but also meeting others who have different
interests. Anne Markey, our Master of Students, provided work experience for
student Antonia Munteanu, formally at Park High School, and is now reading
Architecture at Cambridge.
Quotes from students –
“ I appreciated the support of peers during applications to university,
particularly for Architecture because you do not have that at school “ ( Student from
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, Finchley, currently interviewing for BA
Architecture Course.)
“It was the best opportunity; I had experience that I never had before with
exhibitions and artists. Being part of attRAct, it built confidence and I feel more
cultured. ( Student from St James High School, Colindale, going on to a Foundation in
Art+Design )
“‘attRAct has shown me many new artistic techniques in medias such as
etching that I never thought I would have the privilege to try. Furthermore the
huge range of artists that we explore in the workshops has given me inspiratiion for
pieces, given me confidence to create freely and has opened my eyes to the depths
of the art world “ (Student from Lady Margaret School, Fulham, going on to a Foundation
Art + Design )
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