NIGHT SCHOOL

night school was an alternative evening class run by ebc and originally hosted by arnolfini  in bristol, and more recently based online. established in 2017, participants take part in a 6 week course, with each session being led by a different artist invited by ebc. sessions incorporate an artist talk followed by a practical workshop that gives an insight into some of the ideas and processes that the artist explores, or that could introduce the group to other interests that influence the artist’s practice. invited artists are drawn from ebc’s diverse network and represent many different artistic practices represented in the uk.

previous workshops have included; collage, stop motion, writing, mobile phone videos, 3D scanning, pickling vegetables, drawing exercises, clay modelling, stamping, making ink, plaster casting, and green screen recordings.

night school seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment, and the artists we work with are selected to reflect these values.

“i can’t pinpoint a best bit of night school, it was all fantastic. each session was a delightful creative experience, learning, making and being with others – it was a blessing, especially during lock-down”

nsvi participant

“i didn’t know what to expect…my biggest worry was maybe that it would be a bit snooty or i wouldn’t be able to understand where the artists were coming from. but NO! it wasn’t like that… they were enjoyable accessible, and a great mix of genres and approaches… pleasantly informal – felt very welcoming but also completely planned and thought through”

nsiii participant

“every week i have come away with passion, interest, and excitement’ (night school) ‘…was always accessible, non jargon heavy, and unpretentious”

nsiv participant

who is night school for?

the course is open to anyone interested in contemporary art, or wishing to learn about how artists make work and use materials. participants do not have to have undertaken previous terms of night school to take part in upcoming terms. experimentation and exploration are key to our sessions.

the night school might have particular relevance for the following: artists who have been practicing for some time and are looking for fresh ideas, artists looking to meet other artists, foundation stage students looking to prepare additional work for university portfolios and interview, sixth-form or FE students looking to apply to higher education art courses (undergraduate or foundation stage). night school facilitators can also provide advice with interview/portfolio preparation and technique.

what is night school PLUS?

night school PLUS (NS PLUS) is for night school participants that wish to have more 1-2-1 input into their own practice. a smaller group of participants meet before the main night school. chris alton (night school online coordinator) and the visiting artist talk about an area of professional development. for instance; documenting work, writing applications for exhibitions or funding, promoting your work through social media, writing budgets, creative approaches to accessibility, etc. there are then a number of 1-2-1 sessions available with the artist and with chris to either discuss further the professional development topic or the participant’s practice as a whole. Each participant will receive a minimum of 2 1-2-1 sessions (1 with chris, 1 with a visiting artist)