Education is at the core of Impressions Gallerys' activities, stimulating public interest in and developing the understanding of contemporary photography.
Fully integrated into the exhibition programme is an extensive range of talks, workshops and events led by practising artists and gallery staff, including free exhibition tours, artist talks, as well as artist led projects and residencies.
Impressions' is an active contributor to the development of contemporary photography and its associated debates. We are dedicated to promoting and enabling the understanding, participation and enjoyment of the medium to a wide and diverse audience. We do not shy away from work which is perceived to be difficult. If work is thought to be exclusive then it is our job to make it inclusive. Wherever possible, activities are free or where charges are made, concessionary rates are available.
Aims of Impressions' education programme -
- To provide the widest possible access
- To deliver a dynamic and varied programme that is challenging and addresses critical and visual literacy.
- To develop the understanding and participation of contemporary photography and digital media.
- To challenge previous perceptions and make accessible new ideas and contexts.
- To ensure that each individual will have the opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge.
- To develop new and diverse audiences whist sustaining and nurturing existing audiences.
- To ensure that participants reflect the multicultural and social diversity of our society.
- To present events aimed not only at the singular audience of photographers but to a wider and diverse audience.
- To enable artists to be confident in their creative practice.
- To bring different voices to the Gallery – offer different interpretations
- To recognise and accommodate for different ways of learning
We deliver these aims by –
- Working with highly skilled professionals who set the scene for good practice by guaranteeing the delivery of high quality work.
- Initiating and developing partnerships with other arts and education organisations nationally and internationally.
- Encouraging the use of an artistic language in critical debate
- Programming events that interpret photography and new media through a diversity of art forms including drama, dance, literature.
- Encouraging groups to participate in projects or events that are totally new to them
- Providing a programme of professional development opportunities for artists and teachers / group leaders
- Programming informal events for individuals from different backgrounds or professions (both arts and non-arts related) to bring different perspectives to the gallery.
- Providing online learning opportunities through the Gallery’s website.
Formal Education Sectors
Links are forged with schools, colleges and universities with the aim of developing
sustainable relationships. The schools programme makes links with the National
Curriculum though aims to enhance rather than service it. We want teachers to feel
confident in using the gallery.
The following are available for every exhibition -
- Education preview is held at the opening of each exhibition (apart from those during holidays) where teachers, lecturers etc are invited to meet for a tour and to explore the activities developed for use with their class or group.
- Education Packs including notes on how to work with photography prior to, during and after gallery visits. These are tailored for each exhibition.
- Visual Literacy Workshops that develop skills and confidence in reading images and forming personal interpretations of artworks and exhibitions.
Equality of Opportunity Statement
Impressions Gallery Education Programme aims to provide opportunities for life
long learning and combating social exclusion. Therefore we do not deny access and
participation on the grounds of race, gender, disability, age, class or sexual orientation.
