Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent 2024
At the ϳԹ, (ϳԹ) we’re keen to support and celebrate local talent. This year’s Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent is just that - a celebration of local schools and colleges’ students’ work, which was selected and curated by the Surface Pattern and Textiles team at the University’s Swansea College of Art.
Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent brings together teachers and specialists to share great practice, skills, and knowledge, showcasing the brilliant opportunities there are for careers in Textiles and the wider Surface Pattern field.
This year’s exhibition also profiles a collection of scarves printed inhouse on the University’s impressive digital textile printing facilities. A host of different schools from England were engaged through ‘The Square Scarf Challenge’ at New Designers (ND) with the Surface Pattern team workshopping over 120 school age learners in a dynamic pattern and collage session on site at the graduate design fair. In addition the exhibition features a show stopping, winning design sponsored by The Silk Bureau, who were so impressed with what they saw at ND printed and produced the design for Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent.
Submissions were also received from the following Welsh institutions for the competition categories for Creativity, Innovation and Enthusiasm.
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe Comprehensive
Bishopston Comprehensive
St Clare’s Senior School, Porthcawl
Gowerton Comprehensive
Gower College, Swansea
Maesteg Comprehensive
NPTC Newtown College
Yesterday, (September 11) the exhibition consisting of a curated Exhibition of Secondary Level Schools and College students’ fantastic work, was officially opened giving learners the opportunity to see their work elevated and exhibited in an HE Art College environment. The event culminated in a Prize Giving Ceremony hosted by guest judge, S4C’s Huw Rees and filmed by Tinopolis.
Programme Director Georgia McKie said: “We are championing future creatives beyond their classrooms and giving students a unique opportunity to look ahead if they choose to continue studying Textiles and Surface Pattern at HE.
“We are dedicated to raising the profile of the fantastic work that our teacher/lecturer networks achieve in their classrooms and studios. It is important to share the incredible career opportunities that are offered to our graduates with their secondary level learners – there is so much for them to aspire to if they take the subject area of Textiles forward.
“There is much more to this subject area than meets the eye; people recognise the relevance to fashion and interiors, but our graduates are everywhere – from stationery design to automotive and aviation interiors! It is all about sharing knowledge, a love of learning, best practice and our own students’ great stories of success.”
Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art and Media for Swansea College of Art said: “We are delighted to host Swansea’s Got Textile Talent once again 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, ϳԹ was ranked in the Guardian League Table 2024 as 2nd in the UK out of 46, 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”.
Swansea’s Got Textiles Talent Award Winners 2024
There are 3 categories and 3 Awards for each category
CATEGORY: CREATIVITY
Students who demonstrate excellence
- Excellence in ideation and/ or concept development
The winner is:
Courtney Braun Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryntawe
- Excellence in image and/ or pattern development
The winner is:
Poppy Harry- Thomas - Bishopston School, Swansea
Tara James – Gower College, Swansea
- Excellence in use and application of colour
The winner is:
Annalise Simmons – Maesteg Comprehensive
CATEGORY: INNOVATION
Students who demonstrate future forward thinking
- Bright sparks, future forward sustainable practice(s)
The winner is:
Ann Prys-Thomas – Neath Port Talbot College Newtown Campus
1st yr L3 UAL Sustainable Fashion
- Bright sparks, future forward fashion and trend
The winner is:
Harriet Squire- Shields, St Clare’s Senior School Porthcawl
AS Level Textiles
- Bright sparks, future forward STEAM learner
The winner is:
Poppy Andrews – Gower College, Swansea
1st Yr L3 UAL Art and Design
CATEGORY: ENTHUSIASM AND LOVE OF LEARNING
Students who make an exceptional contribution to the classroom
- For the greatest distance travelled
The winner is:
Carys Lewis Hopkins – Gowerton
A Level Textiles
- The most supportive peer
The winners are:
Hannah- Leigh Jones
GCSE
Phoebe Liana Jones
GCSE
Both of Maesteg Comprehensive, who have clearly worked closely together and produced something that is collaboratively fantastic!
- A Learner who is destined to go far
The winners are:
Roxy Joshua – Maesteg Comprehensive
GCSE
Erin Crossley – Gower College
Godwina Nzomosi - Gowerton
The Huw Rees Award
Hannah- Leigh Jones – Maesteg Comprehensive
GCSE
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071