An exhibition of current work by former Chenderit School A Level Art students

The government estimate that the UK’s creative industries contribute £126,000,000,000 each year to the country’s economy. The Future of Jobs report, published in 2018 by the World Economic Forum, predicts that the skills required in the future will be those of creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. These are exactly the skills that students learn when they study art; exactly the skills evident in the work displayed in this exhibition. Artists make the world a better place.

This exhibition, bringing together artwork by former Chenderit Art students from the last decade, is evidence of the wealth of different careers available in the creative industry. Massive thanks to all those artists who have been able to contribute to this exhibition. All of the contributing artists were keen to share their experiences with current Chenderit students, inspiring a new generation of artists and designers.

It has been so great to get back in touch with previous students who have gone on to enjoy such success within the creative industries. It has been a pleasure to see what former students are now up to, and to get an insight into their lives post Chenderit. As teachers, we do not often have this opportunity. We should do more of that.

A decade is a long time.

It has been ten years since some of these students were last here at Chenderit, and ten years since I was appointed as Head of Art. Those ten years have been filled with challenges and change. Each cohort of students has included memorable characters, unarguable talent and countless stories and anecdotes. The exhibition is a reminder to me of the magic and sparkle that make working in education such a pleasure. As teachers, we sometimes forget that stuff. I am grateful to all these artists for helping to remind me just what a privilege this job can be.

If you are a current student reading this, then I hope that you get a flavour of the creative industries that are out there in the world beyond Chenderit School. What you do now, in your art lessons and beyond, can be your passport to that wider world. What you do over the next few years will help determine your future. The advice that these former students have given is an important element of the work you see here. Please read what they have written, and do your best to act on that advice. Something that comes through clearly from the work exhibited is the sense of enjoyment that these individuals have found in their careers. All your teachers at Chenderit are united in hoping that you too find careers that can be equally as rewarding. We will continue to do all that we can to make that possible, but all know that it is what you do with the opportunities that you are presented that will make the difference. Perhaps, in ten or fifteen years’ time, your work will be on display in this gallery. Perhaps you will pursue a career in the creative industry and will inspire others to do the same. We will continue to do all we can to help you get there.

Tom Christy, April 2024

Opening times

FREE admission

Open weekdays only

Monday 22 April - Wednesday 22 May, 10am - 4pm.