University for the Creative Arts (UCA) announced a new partnership with Farnham’s New Ashgate Gallery

New Ashgate group

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has announced a new partnership with Farnham’s New Ashgate Gallery. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed and will enable UCA students to show and sell more work at the Surrey gallery.

The two organisations have worked together in the past but this arrangement will make it formal for the first time.

Dr Outi Remes, Director of the New Ashgate Gallery, said: “This exciting partnership between UCA and the New Ashgate Gallery recognises the synergy between our two organisations.

“It stands to benefit both parties but, most importantly, it will provide opportunities for students and recent graduates to showcase their work in the market place, allow them to learn about curating and exhibiting, and provide them with professional development support to help them launch a successful career in their chosen field.”

Dr Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor at UCA, said: “Artistic partnerships between UCA and local businesses have proudly been taking place for more than a century in Farnham.

“In 1890, the founding principal of UCA agreed a cllaboration with Farnham Pottery which allowed students to make a wide range of wares that were sold at Liberty’s of London and Heals – Sir Terence Conran developed his passion for pottery through this collaboration, many years later.

The exhibition, which runs from 22 March to 4 May at New Ashgate Gallery, features UCA Farnham students Theo Brooks, Anna Garrett, Carlamaria Jackson, Kirsty Morris, Paul Stopler, Julia Webster and Shaun Grace, from UCA Rochester, plus 19 other promising graduates from the UK’s top arts institutions.

The partnership will also offer exciting opportunities, further development and access to new funding sources and further impetus to the concept of Farnham as a Craft Town.

Both organisations have a long history of supporting artists and makers. The New Ashgate Gallery was formed more than 50 years ago as an artists co-operative.

The New Ashgate Gallery Trust is dedicated to promoting and championing the best contemporary art and craft in the market place and to provide an unparalleled resource in Farnham, Surrey and beyond.

It raises aspirations and inspires excellence. The trust delivers exhibitions and projects in the gallery and the community, fostering emerging artists and supporting diverse participation in arts.

The University for the Creative Arts is one of Europe’s leading arts and design institutions and it builds on a proud tradition of creative arts education spanning 150 years. The campuses at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester are home to more than 7,000 students from 76 countries studying courses in fashion, graphics, design, media, fine art and architecture.