| School of Creative Arts, UWE | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1969 |
| Students | 800 |
| Location | Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Campus | Bower Ashton |
| Former names | West of England College of Art |
| Affiliations | University of the West of England |
| Website | http://www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/ |
The School of Creative Arts of the University of the West of England (formerly the Faculty of Art, Media and Design), forms the major part of the Faculty of Creative Arts following the University reorganisation in 2007. Adjacent to the Ashton Court estate, on the edge of the city of Bristol, in Bower Ashton,[1] the West of England College of Art was established here in purpose-built premises in 1969, moving from its previous location as the art school of the Royal West of England Academy in Clifton. In 1970 the college became part of Bristol Polytechnic, the precursor of the University.[2]
Currently the campus is undergoing a programme of redevelopment. Phase 1 was completed in 2008 and included a new building (F Block), which is now the main entrance to the campus. The tower block (B block) was also refurbished.[3] Specialist workshops and resource centres are available to students as well as a specialist art library. An art materials shop and stores provide discounted art materials and the UWE Students Union runs a licensed bar and shop. Every year in June the campus houses a Degree Show which is well attended by Bristol residents as well as friends and families of the graduating students.[4]
The school has two departments: the Department of Culture, Media and Drama, most of which is located at St Matthias campus[5] and the Department of Art and Design.[6] The Bristol School of Animation and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School are associate schools.[7]
Among its Principals and Deans were the war artist Jack Chalker, the Graphic Designer Paul van Der Lem, and Paul Gough RWA, a Fine Artist and historian [8], who became the first Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty in its expanded form of over 2,600 students. Gough recently took up a new post as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The School will form part of the new Faculty of Creative Arts, Humanities and Education, being formed during the academic year 2010/11 and Alex Gilkinson has been appointed as the new Executive Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor.[9]