Ravensbourne students thrive during four-week residency at Uncommon Creative Studios
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Between March and April, students from Ravensbourne University London took part in an immersive four-week residency at Uncommon Creative Studios. This collaboration offered students a groundbreaking opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s most innovative creative agencies, bringing fresh talent from across Ravensbourne’s courses into a hotbed of industry insight.
Students were tasked with designing a compelling interpretation of a threatened aspect of British cultural identity. The responses to this brief spanned a range of different facets related to contemporary issues within British culture.
Some projects sought to shine a light on more niche subject areas, such as a celebration of the ‘bossmen’ as keystones of the British high street and an imaginative solution to laws restricting clubbing in the UK.
Others, however, delved deeper into sociopolitical issues that have rumbled on for centuries, such as examining the contrast between traditional British politeness and the lack of apology for imperial atrocities across the globe. There was also an inspired solution as to how to tactfully commemorate the impact of the Windrush generation on contemporary British society.
Uncommon project
The residency culminated in an evening showcasing the outcomes of the collaboration, as the students presented their responses to the brief to their peers, course leaders and industry professionals alike.
Chloe quote
We truly got a taste of our dream job for four whole weeks and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I am so lucky to have experienced so much support to express myself creatively, and produce something sick, that I am truly proud of. ”
The presence of students at Uncommon Creative Studios was also emblematic of Ravensbourne’s commitment to ensuring that learning with industry is a two-way exercise in knowledge exchange, where fresh ideas meet industry-standard ways of working.
Jhy Turley, Chief of Creative and Design Operations at Uncommon, said: "A creative residency of this scale hasn't been done before, but when the opportunity with Ravensbourne arose, it felt like the perfect fit for Uncommon. From the selection process to the final presentation, we wanted this four-week residency to be a close collaboration between the students and Uncommon crew - our team felt the students’ enthusiasm and passion from day one, and we were just as excited to help develop and shape their thinking as they were to engage with the programme and the mentorship we offered throughout.
Jhy quote
Ultimately, we've been able to supercharge the curriculum and build an experience that truly helps the next generation of creatives thrive in our industry from the outset, an industry which is increasingly competitive, and constantly evolving. It's been an epic journey, so valuable for both the students and our studio, and an initiative we hope to build on in years to come.”
For Ravensbourne, the residency is a testament to the university’s emphasis on the value of industry-integrated learning for its students. Continuation and expansion of work-based learning opportunities such as the Uncommon residency are core tenets of the university’s 2030 strategy, which outlines a dedication to ensuring Ravensbourne graduates meet the needs of industry.
Derek quote
Our second years have come here [to Uncommon] and every single day they've done something that they've never done before. ”
You can find more information on work-based learning, partnerships and knowledge exchange here.
We will also be interviewing Chloe Berry, a student who took part in the Uncommon residency, as part of our Built for Industry content series. Keep an eye out for her reflections and insights in that interview over the coming weeks.
