News

Commended! Association of Colleges Beacon Awards 2020/21

We are excited to announce that East Surrey College has been commended in the ‘Copyright Licensing Agency Award for Excellence in Supporting Creativity’ category at the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards 2020/21. The Award, one of 11 categories in the Beacon Awards, recognises how Colleges play a vital role in supporting and promoting the creative industries.

The Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. They are awarded every year by AoC to provide recognition for excellence and innovation, acknowledging the talents of staff and students at all levels. They highlight the breadth and quality of education in the college sector.

Ahead of the Awards, an application was submitted by our Director of Learning (Reigate School of Art), Jo Fenwick, who explained how students and staff at Reigate School of Art, part of East Surrey College, found innovative ways to showcase their work this year. This included our first-ever online virtual exhibition, hosted by our in-house recording studio Neutral Ground Productions. This website platform is managed by students on Full-time courses, with an aim of promoting up and coming talent.

In June, the online exhibition featured work from Full-time, Higher Education and Adult Community Learning students, across Art & Design, Theatrical Make-Up, Creative Media, Photography, Music & Sound, Film & TV and Games Design and Animation.

By hosting an online exhibition, students were able to showcase their portfolios to a wider audience and with unlimited exhibition space. As part of their curriculum and in preparation for this event, students were informed on the importance of copyright and royalties, with staff running tutorials on topics such as stock image licensing and rights.

The application also drew on Reigate School of Art’s strong industry links, as many tutors have come from creative careers themselves. The teaching and learning on the courses reflects the needs of the industry, preparing students for a wide range of careers. Our students have also been involved in a variety of live briefs, developing their work experience and industry skills.

Thank you to the Copyright Licensing Agency for the recognition of our talented staff and students and to the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for bringing these prestigious annual awards together.