Celebrating the next generation of creative talent at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art

Oh what a night! At UWTSD, we’re known for celebrating creative talent and last Thursday evening we were privileged to reward and showcase future creatives!

The University welcomed pupils from Gowerton and Bishop Gore Comprehensives, Coleg Gwent, St Clare’s Porthcawl, Ysgol Gyfun Bryntawe, Dylan Thomas and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman schools to take part in a series of events for Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent - giving them a unique opportunity to look ahead if they choose to continue studying Textiles and Surface Pattern at HE.

There were opportunities to tour the department, engage with current and past students, view a curated Exhibition of other Secondary students’ fantastic work and it culminated in a Prize Giving Ceremony hosted by guest judge, S4C’s Huw Rees.

Programme Director Georgia McKie said: “Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent brings together teachers and specialists to share great practice, skills, and knowledge, whilst showcasing the brilliant opportunities there are for careers in Textiles and the wider Surface Pattern field.

“We are exhibiting and celebrating a selection of secondary student work, giving pupils a unique insight into what could lay ahead.  We are showcasing some of our Surface Pattern & Textiles graduates, so participants can see where the energy and attributes detailed in our awards categories can lead them in their lives and careers.” 

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director of Art & Media said: “We are delighted to host Swansea’s Got Textile Talent and not only share the talents of our current and past students but invite new talent to join us from schools and colleges across Wales.

“BA Surface Pattern and Textiles at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD was ranked in the Guardian League Table 2023 as 3rd in the UK for Fashion and Textile and 1st in Wales. We are sector leading and we want to be able to share this knowledge and experience to help inform young people on their creative journey.”

In addition, the exhibition celebrates Cwilt200 and exhibits the final piece on campus for the first time.  This project is a culmination of a collaboration between many schools and colleges partners and our own Surface Pattern and Textiles students.

The exhibition is open until 28th September and we welcome schools and colleges groups, and teachers and tutors to visit.  Contact the team to organise a tour of the department and the potential for a taster workshop.

The event also aligns closely with the Craft Hub EU global touring exhibition which features a number of alumnae and their work.

Swansea’s Got Textile Talent Award Categories and Prize Winners:

Creative students who demonstrate excellence:  

Excellence in ideation and/ or concept development  

Kiera Tyrell: Bishop Gore School

Excellence in image development  

Grace Williams: Ysgol Gyfrun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe

Excellence in pattern development  

Niamh Hill: St Clare’s School

Excellence in use and application of colour 

Issabella Welch: St Clare’s School

Excellence in sketchbook and/ or portfolio practice

Carys Lewis Hopkins: Gowerton Comprehensive School

Innovative students who demonstrate future forward thinking:  

Bright sparks, future forward sustainable practice(s)  

Rose Jones: Bishop Gore School

Bright sparks, future forward fashion, and trend 

Katie Richards: Gowerton Comprehensive School

Bright sparks, future forward STEAM learner 

Harrison Purcell: Ysgol Gyfrun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe

Enthusiastic students who continue to contribute to the classroom:  

Enthusiasm in our classroom, greatest distance travelled  

Megan Walker: Gowerton Comprehensive School

Enthusiasm in our classroom, most supportive peer 

Libbie Wittey: Dylan Thomas Community School

Enthusiasm in our classroom, destined to go far 

Summer Davies: Coleg Gwent, Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone

The Huw Rees Award 

Denim jeans – Josh McDonald: St Clare’s School

Printed quilt – Group quilt Year 8: Dylan Thomas Community School

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau a’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau / Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus / Corporate Communications and PR

Swyddfa’r Is-Ganghellor | Vice-Chancellor’s Office

E-bost | E-mail: Rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk