The 2024 Fearon Community Association Art Exchange Internship, led by Associate Professor Ming-Hui Chen, involved five graduate students from the ICID and Techno Art programs in an immersive experience in Loughborough, UK, during July and August 2024.
The internship this year focused on assisting the Fearon Hall Community Centre plan a family fun day titled “Create, Connect, Celebrate”. Under the mentorship of British artist Jacqui Gallon, our students brainstormed ideas at the Careers & Enterprise Hub, and then engaged in artistic creation at the Fearon Hall Community Centre. Jacqui Gallon guided the students in developing event themes and gathering necessary materials, leading to a successful and engaging parent-child community art event.
Co-Creation: Fostering Cultural Exchange, Family and Community Connections
The family fun day kicked off with “Create”, inviting community members to participate in various parent-child activities. In the clay creation activity titled ‘Rooting With Your Soul, participants molded clay to express deeply rooted imagery, fostering deep spiritual inspiration. A different papermaking activity utilized scrap paper and dried flowers from local gardens in the pulp, offering an environmentally friendly and creative experience.
The “Connect” segment embodied cross-cultural exchanges and emotional ties within the community and Fearon Hall. The artwork “Reimagining Playground” used plant-dyed fabric to evoke playful imagery reminiscent of childhood, stimulating imaginations and the nostalgia of the adults. Meanwhile, “Weaving Bond,” crafted from newspapers and mixed media, symbolized the interconnectedness of individuals, nature, information, and education within the Fearon Hall community. The performances of Taiwanese and British folk music, played on the violin and guitar, echoed through the historic buildings and gardens, connecting attendees emotionally and enhancing the sense of community. An interactive installation “Network of Community” allowed attendees to freely tie ribbons and fabric of different shapes and colors together, gradually forming a collaborative artwork that embodies community connection and illustrates how art fosters interaction.
“Celebrate” highlighted the achievements and joy of the tenth cohort of interns. The interactive activity “Meet Your Celebration” featured colorful yarn scattered throughout the venue, capturing the spirit of party streamers and symbolizing freedom and joy in creativity. An installation showcasing photos of the past internships, wrapped in vibrant cellophane, reflected colorful light in the sun, representing a decade of cultural exchange and the accomplishments of the internship program.
The family fun day at Fearon Hall not only strengthened connections between families and the community but also provided our students with invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange and practical experience. Through the fusion of artistic creation and music, the event successfully conveyed the core values of “Create, Connect, Celebrate,” showcasing the powerful role of art in promoting social cohesion and cultural resonance.
Inspiration Gathering: Art Creation Workshops, Studio Visits, and Nature Exploration
This five-week internship included a variety of creative workshops and studio visits led by local artists. Our students explored topics such as gel printing, handmade book production, and visits to art studios like Albert Street Artists and The Tangent Gallery. They also visited the historic Old Rectory Museum, engaged in sculpture creation using earth-based pigments and plant materials, and participated in interactive abstract painting sessions. Through materials collected during nature walks and employing a range of artistic techniques, the students were inspired to integrate their physical and mental experiences into their artistic creations.
The internship was not only a platform for artistic and cultural exchange but also a profound exploration of art’s impact on community cohesion. Through active participation in artistic creation and event planning, the students gained a valuable international perspective, illustrating how art can foster exchange, connection, and celebration across diverse cultures.
