This year, we got inspired by the Student Art Prize theme of Sanctuary through a series of talks and workshops between November 22 and February 23. Scroll below to see what we’ve been up to and also to keep updated on upcoming events!

For tickets, email us at artcollection@durham.ac.uk

To Book your free tickets, visit eventbrite. click here!

For more information about accessibility at our venues you can follow the links below:

Oriental Museum | AccessAble
Palace Green Library (inc Bishops Cosins) | AccessAble
5 The College – Theology & Library | AccessAble
7 Owengate | AccessAble

Past Workshops and Talks:

Art Prize Zine Making workshop

Wednesday 23rd November, 4-6pm at Palace Green Library

The Art Collection Team in collaboration with Durham University Art Society made a DIY zine, following the Student Art Prize theme of Sanctuary.

They explored what sanctuary personally means to them.

blue orange and yellow triangle illustration — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Sanctuary in Words with Lizzie Lovejoy

Wednesday 7 December 2022, 4-6pm at 7 Owengate

In this workshop, participants joined artist and writer Lizzie Lovejoy in creating their own visual poem which was a mixture of both word and illustration.

Finding Sanctuary within the Archives

Wednesday 11 January 2023, 2-3pm at 5 The College

A show and tell with Archivist Andrew Gray. Participants found out more about the Cathedral Archive and viewed pieces related to the theme of Sanctuary. From 14^th Century petitions asking for refuge to threats for giving sanctuary to criminals, to a creative interpretation in fabric of the Cathedral sanctuary knocker itself.

Andrew showing participants some of the fabulous archival material from Durham Cathedral.

Artist Workshop with Paul Raymond

Tuesday 24 January 2023, 4-6pm at Palace Green Library

This proved to be an extremely popular workshop! We experimented with sculpting, casting and assemblage techniques with artist Paul Raymond. We used personal objects which provide us a form of sanctuary as inspiration to create new objects to take home.

An example of just one of the fabulous clay pieces produced during this session.

Art Social with Sarah Stamp

Wednesday 1 February 2023, 4-6pm at the Oriental Museum

Artist Sarah stamp joined us for a paper collage, conversation and creative writing workshop. This was an informal social environment where participants had a go at being creative in a safe and friendly space.