We are not funded to work with learners living in the West Midlands Combined Authority area. If you pay your council tax to Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley or Wolverhampton we may not be able to enrol you, or different fee rates may apply. Please contact us for more information.

What is this course about?

The Developing Artists Group is a one academic year course (3 terms) aimed to equip artists to strengthen their artistic and organisational foundations and discover not only their own practice but also work together as a cooperative to exhibit their work. There will be an opportunity to have an exhibition with Warwickshire Open Studios.

Artists will develop a body of work using studio time both in and outside of the classroom. Your tutor will give you technical drawing & painting advice but the subject matter and the medium you choose will be your own; they will also take you through the ‘ins and outs’ of what it is to be a practicing artist. We also hope to have visiting speakers and the option to attend an additional workshop about setting up your own business (at a small additional cost).

This course has been developed to nurture learners in a supportive environment to become exhibiting artists and to make network connections with other local artists/ groups.

To enhance your learning, we will be asking you to record your progress and achievement by submitting photographs of your work (electronically to your tutor) with comments on what you had learned during the completion of the work, what was challenging, what suddenly fell into place, notes on colour mixing etc. Your tutor will be able to add their comments and return this to you; you can collate these sheets and will act as your own personal reminder between classes and when working on projects in between classes. It will also provide a record of your progress and achievement.

This is an exciting opportunity to further develop the skills and techniques you have learned - having attended six terms (two academic years) at our Pound Lane Centre.

There is entry requirements for this course - please see below:

• if you have not attended for two years, to be able to demonstrate the skills and abilities in the work you have produced and are ready/interested in joining this course

• if you have not attended any of our classes before, you will be required to produce a portfolio of your work, be committed to working on projects in and out of the classroom and have a more in depth discussion with one of our art tutors

Having attended for the last two years you should have all of the equipment you need – your tutor will let you know if you need anything in addition to this.

If you have not attended classes with us, your tutor will let you know what is required, however, as previous experience is required to join this course, you should already have some basic materials to get you started.

To get the most out of your course you will need to attend every week. If you know you are going to miss several sessions e.g. because of holiday, please talk to a member of staff before enrolling.

There are many ways in which you can receive help with your learning. If you feel you may need additional assistance, please contact us before enrolling to discuss your requirements.

We can also offer Maths, English, and ICT courses to refresh your skills and complement your learning. Please ask your tutor for more information or email acl@warwickshire.gov.uk.