Creative Industries London - Study Abroad optional module

Content

The content below is indicative. The final schedule will be based on cultural experiences on offer at the time and collectively decided in class on the first day.

Students will be encouraged to tailor their own learning experience, depending on their creative interests. During the three teaching days each week, tutors will provide micro-lectures, critical discussions and interactive resources to facilitate this.

Students will also be offered the opportunity to enhance their creativity and management skills by co-designing a real-world community art project with the tutors and guests.

In the past, the course has included:

• lectures on ‘Music, Resistance and Solidarity’; ‘Advanced Creative Technology’; ‘Iconic British Design’; and ‘A Cultural History of East London’
• workshops on social photography, collective soundscapes and poetic writing techniques
• visits to Wellcome Collection, Tate Modern, Whitechapel Gallery and Black Cultural Archives
• an urban walkabout of East London, exploring street art, bookshops and galleries
• guest speakers such as music industry professionals, comic book artists and cultural programmers
• the creation of an exhibition featuring collective work and individual contributions

The first week will introduce you to some of the key issues and questions relating to the creative industries which will be explored throughout the course: What is the relationship between culture and commerce? What are the politics of creative labour? Should culture be free? What is the future of the creative industries in an era of generative AI? How might creativity and innovation be deployed in traditionally non-creative industries?

We will collectively co-design the teaching schedule including cultural visits, self-study days and the output of the course (such as an interactive exhibition or presentation). We will also think about the research frameworks and skills needed to guide us through the upcoming weeks.

In week two, you will deepen your creative area of interest, linking it to a relevant keyword or concept from class such as gentrification, grimepunk or creative dissent.

During class trips and independent visits, you will use creative research methods to gather images, soundbites and insights which will shape your final output.

You will also have the opportunity to meet with practising artists and learn about their creative practice.

Oli Conner is creative facilitator, design lecturer and innovation strategist who has worked for leading cultural institutions ranging from The National Gallery to Channel Four and Meta. With a background in cultural and literary theory, their teaching approach is informed by decolonial and queer perspectives. They run the London School of Solarpunk, an emerging arts school, and design a variety of mixed media learning experiences.