University strengthens creative ties with US college

The University of Derby has strengthened creative links in America following a month-long visit by its arts students.

Recently, 15 students from the university’s School of Arts returned from a trip to Las Vegas, during which they strengthened ties with Nevada State College.

The students were from Fine Art, Fashion, Graphic Design, Photography, and Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

They had their travel and accommodation funded by the Turing UK scheme, the Government’s programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world.

Led by Dr Gemma Marmalade, the university’s assistant head of discipline for Art and Photography, the students were guests of Nevada State College’s Office for the Arts and worked alongside Nevada State students.

During their stay, they attended a range of events and study visits, which included working with Avi Kwa Ame – where artists and scientists work collaboratively to support the Southern Nevada landscape, seeking protection of its land by naming it as a National Monument.

An exhibition created jointly with Nevada State students will also feature in the forthcoming FORMAT international photography festival, which takes place from 16 March to 9 April in Derby.

Organised by QUAD and the university, and funded by a range of partners, FORMAT is the UK’s leading international festival of photography and contemporary media.

The exhibition, called How Love Lives in Two Places, will be on show at a new public gallery at the university’s Markeaton Street site, which will be launched at an opening event on 17 March.

During the group’s stay in Nevada, Dr Marmalade was recognised as Honorary Professor of the Arts by Nevada State College.

The college also planted a ‘tree of friendship’ on its campus to symbolise the alliance between the two organisations.

Dr Marmalade said: “From my own research and work in the Las Vegas Valley, it is a place bursting with creative energy.

“The Office for the Arts at Nevada State shares our vision of revelatory creative practice as a highly effective tool for both academic studies and personal growth, stimulating the opportunity for deep learning, which directly translates meaningfully into life-long success and career development.

“At the University of Derby we value opportunities to provide real world experiences for our students wherever possible.

“It is my privilege to share such life-changing experiences with our students and the incredible friendships we have made along the journey together.

“To have this partnership honoured in the conferment of my honorary role as professor is hugely humbling and I am immensely grateful.”