Visual Art students collaborate with renowned artist to create visually striking sculpture

UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students recently unveiled a striking new public art project, created in partnership with internationally renowned public and land artist, Diane Maclean. The large-scale sculpture now stands on our shared campus with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), celebrating creativity, collaboration and the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. 

The project began when Diane donated leftover stainless steel from one of her own sculptures, challenging students on to transform the materials into a new piece of public art. Working in teams, students developed concepts before creating a final design centred on unity, shared creative responsibility and community. 

The sculpture formed part of a wider ‘Art School’ project between the College and UCA, becoming the first permanent public artwork installed on our shared site since 1947. 

Our Head of Visual Arts, Ben Kidger, explained: “This was a brilliant example of a live industry brief. Students had to respond to a real design challenge while balancing the demands of their course, developing the teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking they’ll use throughout their careers.” 

Bringing the project to life was a true cross-College effort. Engineering students fabricated the steel components, while Built Environment students designed and constructed the circular plinth, turning the Art students’ ideas into a finished sculpture ready for the Visual Arts End of Year Show, where hundreds of visitors saw it for the first time. 

When Diane Maclean returned to see the finished sculpture, she praised the work completed by students across the College, commenting: ” I was thrilled to see the Growth sculpture made by your students. The rings and tubes of stainless steel have been used very imaginatively, and it really works as a sculpture, with the feeling, to me, of launching upwards. Congratulations to the team and best wishes for their future endeavours.”

For student Dougie, the public art project became a standout part of his art portfolio and helped him secure a place on a highly competitive engineering degree. He told us: “Working alongside Diane Maclean gave me an insight into what it takes to be a professional artist and allowed me to boast on my cv, design and problem-solving skills, teamwork and considerations of safety.

“I was able to tailor this and the experiences available to me in a way that presented myself as someone who has explored their options and is able to create and think outside the box.”

The project has given students the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the College campus as they move on to exciting futures in the creative industries.

Ready to start your creative journey? 

If you’re passionate about art, design and developing your creative skills through live projects and industry experiences like this, explore our Visual Arts courses and apply today.