National Art & Design Saturday Club

The National Art & Design Saturday Club has been set up by the Sorrell Foundation, with support from the Audi Design Foundation, to inspire and engage young people through the resources available at colleges and universities of art and design. The idea is to give young people aged 14–16, the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, making, and a range of other activities at their local college or university of art and design on Saturday mornings.

Four colleges took part in the 2009–2010 pilot: Cleveland College of Art & Design, Hereford College of Arts, Leeds College of Art and Plymouth College of Art. Over 100 young people joined the club and, to celebrate its launch in November 2009, visited the Sorrell Foundation Young Design Centre and London’s South Bank.

Over the course of the year, they explored painting, drawing sculpture, 3D design, ceramics, stop-frame animation and photography among other art forms. The club members also benefited from a masterclass led by one of four well-known artists or designers: Anthony Gormley, Thomas Heatherwick, Domenic Lippa and Simon Waterfall. Work they produced during the year is currently on display in the Great Arch gallery at Somerset House, London, until 15 August.

Some responses to the Saturday Club:

‘I’m really glad I was able to get a place on the course. I’m hugely inspired to do a foundation degree and have realised that art is really what I want to do.’
Club member, Plymouth

‘This has been such an amazing experience and helped so much with my GSCE art. I have loved this classes and seeing my work in Somerset House was just amazing!’
Club member, Leeds

‘I have tried new things I would never do in school as we don’t have the facilities’
Club member, Hereford

‘The Saturday classes were really good. When it ends, I won’t know what to do on a Saturday.’
Club member, Cleveland

‘This is the only club that my son has ever stuck at. He has attended every session with such enthusiasm, which, I believe says it all.’
Parent, Hereford

‘Through the club we have made a real difference to the way young people perceive a career in the creative environment. We've seen their personal and creative confidence soar and we've also had a lot of fun.’
Lynne Staley-Brookes, Principal, Plymouth College of Art

The Saturday Club workshops gave the young people an insight into college life and access to advice about university applications and careers. Many used the work they created to support their GCSE portfolios and to apply for diploma courses at the college. The club also helped the colleges strengthen links with local schools. The Sorrell Foundation intends to scale up the programme so that many more young people can take part in locations across the UK.

If you would like more information about the National Art & Design Saturday Club, please contact Jenny Clarke, Young Design Centre Manager, on 020 7845 5860 or jenny@thesorrellfoundation.com