Art & Design and Photography students recently stepped beyond the classroom for an inspiring industry visit to the Saatchi Gallery in London as part of their work placement programme.
The visit gave students the opportunity to experience one of London's leading contemporary art galleries while exploring The Sun and The Moon: Art Inspired by the Celestial, a major exhibition examining how the sun and moon have shaped art, culture, mythology, and human imagination across different periods and cultures.
Spanning two floors and nine exhibition spaces, the exhibition featured an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, and multimedia works from artists around the world. Students explored a wide range of creative styles and artistic approaches, gaining first hand insight into how themes can be interpreted through different materials, techniques, and perspectives.
Following the exhibition, students took part in a hands on creative workshop, where they experimented with a variety of artistic materials to create their own pieces inspired by the exhibition. The session encouraged students to reflect on what they had seen while developing their own creative ideas and artistic techniques.
Experiences like this play an important role in helping students connect classroom learning with the creative industries. By engaging with professional exhibitions and participating in practical workshops, students strengthen their creative thinking, broaden their artistic knowledge, and develop the practical skills valued by universities and employers.
Industry visits also form an important part of the work placement programme, giving students valuable opportunities to experience professional environments, explore career pathways, and gain inspiration from leading organisations within the creative sector.
At South Bank Colleges, learning extends beyond the classroom, providing students with meaningful experiences that help prepare them for successful futures in art, design, photography, and the wider creative industries.
