This is the third year Preston City Mela has collaborated with University of Central Lancashire, BA (Hons) Textile Design course part of the School of Arts and Media.
The aims of this project were:
- Develop a cross cultural focus to increase awareness of South Asian art and design
- To produce work that promotes our diverse society
- To showcase work at a high-profile event in the public realm.
- Develop a range of experimental and refined samples that demonstrate an innovative approach.
- Research books and the internet to develop existing skills and enable ongoing learning of textile techniques, as well as to gather visual inspiration.
- To produce a series of well finished professional outcomes in response to the brief.
The Dhol project aims have been achieved. 13 young people aged between 6 to 16 have a level of Dhol playing competence from the coaching course. The skill level is varied as expected, children learn at different speeds. Some young people can prepare to play the Dhol in public setting. As part social return all children receiving the Dhol Training will be required to contribute to some public event performances in the future Mela Programme. This will be an excellent opportunity for children to build their confidence in public performance.
After completing the course all students were presented with a ‘Certificate of Participation’
All the students will perform at the Mela Main Event on 17th June 2023. An opportunity emerged for the students to perform on Avenham Park as part of King Charles II Coronation Celebrations on Sunday 7th May 2023
The project was led by course leader Phoebe Dean Sayell with 7 second year students participating
Phoebe co-ordinate and led the project. She is a Senior Lecturer and Course leader on the BA (Hons) Textile Design course and has many years’ experiences running live projects with industry and collaborative projects with the local community. Having travelled India, it would be nice to incorporate my own images into the project, using a colour palette from photographs, and utilising skills learnt on my travels.
The Textile Design course is a broad course that covers a wide range of practical textile skills from weaving through to surface pattern design. The course actively participates in live briefs with industry and the community to encourage students to develop their professionalism and employability skills.
The students created designs that would be used to dress the Mela site on Moor Park. In addition, they produced other merchandise with their designs to distribute at the Mela which includes
- Post cards
- Bookmarks
- Tote bags
The project included a cultural focus for UCLan students to increase their awareness of South Asian art and design and would introduce a South Asian artists practice to the group. The project gave the students the opportunity to showcase their work at a high-profile event in the public realm.
