Melissa Gale, a BA (Hons) Costume student at AUB, has been invited to participate in the 'In and Out of Bounds' project. Gale, who is preparing to start her second year of study after completing the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, joined the artists in Venice as a project intern. This role provided her with direct experience of working on a major international exhibition.
The 'In and Out of Bounds' project is an Arts Council England-funded initiative that fosters cross-cultural and intergenerational connections between the New Forest and Venice. Through the collaborative work of artists Vanessa Collingridge (Course Leader of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design), James Elliott (Programme Leader of MA Photography (Online) at AUB), Tom Hall, and Stephanie James, the project delves into themes of place, identity, belonging, and boundaries.
A core objective of the project was to offer opportunities for young people beyond standard community workshops. Thanks to Arts Council England funding, Melissa was able to join 'Venice Bound', the second phase of the initiative. This phase aimed to connect the research, discussions, and artworks developed in the New Forest with the unique context of Venice, a historic island city facing its own distinct community, identity, and environmental challenges.
“"I am so grateful to have been involved in Venice Bound, a project which allowed me to experience new culture and working environments outside of university first hand. Vanessa, James, Tom and Steph guided me throughout the experience, providing me with tasks inside and outside of the gallery. An example of this was invigilating the gallery on my own. These experiences massively increased my confidence. I was able to have valuable conversations with the artists, who always provided me with advice, reassurance, and knowledge about working within the art industry. Wonderfully, I was able to explore the local art of Venice on my own throughout the trip, providing me with endless inspiration for projects of my own."
During her time in Venice, Melissa gained practical insights into the realities of international exhibiting. She supported the exhibition setup, worked within the gallery space, welcomed visitors, and engaged with an international audience about the project's artworks. Her internship also provided a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving essential for such events.
As a resident of the New Forest and a student who progressed from foundation to undergraduate study at AUB, Melissa's participation created a significant link between the project's various components. Her internship exemplifies a key ambition of 'In and Out of Bounds': to provide young individuals with opportunities in professional creative practice and to showcase the potential career paths available through creative education.
