Art and Design Foundation students create protest banners with Factory International

Students from our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design have collaborated with Es Devlin Studios on an installation commissioned by Factory International.

The Fete of Britain, a four-day celebration of collaboration and imagination in the face of the great challenges of our time, was programmed by Hard Art – a movement of artists, musicians and others in the creative and cultural worlds including Brian Eno and Es Devlin. The event featured a mix of artists, performers and community groups including contributions from artists Cornelia Parker, Human Atlas and Jeremy Deller, and journalist and presenter Jon Ronson.

As part of the event, Foundation alumnae Anna Niamh Gorman, who now works for Es Devlin Studios, approached the School of Art to work with our students on a series of large-scale political banners to feature prominently at Aviva Studios.

Senior Lecturer Jo Vickers explains: “The students had just 2 days to create political banners that represent their own personal views today. Working on a giant scale at a quick pace the students rose to the challenge painting on vast canvases. Following in the tradition of political protest in Manchester, the banners speak up loudly on issues important for them today.”

Alison Cahn’s banner focussed on the climate emergency: “It was an amazing experience making banners for Fete of Britain, and for one of the biggest names in art and stage design. I’ve been involved in highlighting the climate and ecological crises for many years, and so the subject really spoke to me. It’s great that artists are focussing on the changes we need to make. I only wish the politicians would take it as seriously and do what needs doing.”

Foundation student Käfer Frog explains how they created their banner: “Being a part of Es Devlin’s Féte of Britain was a really fun and rewarding experience. Though originally quite daunting how I would tackle a 9FT canvas as a disabled ambulatory wheelchair user with ME/CFS, I quickly adapted my original mockup design to suit the live brief. I completed the lettering with my friend and fellow neurodivergent student, Erin Sheridan and I’m really happy with the results. After the letters were done I flicked and splattered pink and blue paint over the top, because being transgender is a huge part of my identity. I hope those that see my piece resonate in the truth that we need more art made by people like me, that art is for everyone and art needs to be more accessible.”

Manchester Met’s Writing School staff and students also performed at Aviva Studios as part of the opening events for The Fete of Britain. Writers performing included Zodwa Nyoni, Rachel Genn, Sarah Butler, Joe Stretch, Helen Mort and Monique Roffey.

Find out more about our Art and Design Foundation here: https://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/foundation/