International Surface and Spatial Design Project
Participants will also propose a Colour Material Finish (CMF) concept board and surface-focused interior spatial concept, which collaboratively celebrates Indian and British Textile Heritage within a contemporary Indo-British spatial context.
Inspiration will be informed by cross-cultural notions of place and design contexts, considering the potential to reinvent space through the integration of surface Innovation, colour, materials and pattern.
Working in research groups, students will collaborate across cultures and disciplines, produce innovative spatial concepts, engage with material research, surface design and contemporary design practice, developing breadth in professional portfolios whilst also developing creative, professional and collaborative skillsets.
You will gain international peer feed-back and the project will be concluded by an international critique.
Participants will compile a final digital submission to present to your external audience.
The collaboration will result in a live spatial intervention within a designated British Council exhibition space in India, celebrating cross-cultural design narratives and showcasing collaborative projects and concepts.
There is an opportunity for two students to go India later in the year to curate and set-up the final show, which will be displayed at the British Council Head Quarters in New Delhi, India.
Associated Badges:
- Staff Member: Elle Simms
Inspired by the current Whitworth exhibition by artist Delaine Le Bas, Turner Prize nominee (2024). Her multidisciplinary work addresses nationhood, gender, identity and belonging through embroidery, painting, sculpture, installation and performance. The exhibition places new and recent work, including 'Un-Fair Ground' from Glastonbury Festival 2024, in dialogue with the Whitworth's collection, exploring themes of magic, folklore and witchcraft.
This brief begins by exploring how clothing can operate as an extension of artistic practice—a space for self‑expression, storytelling, and celebration. Inspired by Delaine Le Bas’s work, you are invited to investigate your own experiences of nationhood, belonging, gender, and identity.
Building on this, you will develop imaginative, idea‑led outcomes informed by both the exhibition and Le Bas’s multidisciplinary approach.
Your Input
An upcycling fashion workshop with Delaine Le Bas and Wendy Roby will take place on Friday 24 April, 1–3pm. The session will involve textile experimentation, garment transformation, embroidery, painting, and inspiration drawn from folklore, nature, and personal narratives.
Possible outputs include artworks, performance, film, textiles, sculpture, and wearable pieces that explore themes such as identity, sustainability, storytelling, and cultural references.
Alongside this, students will produce a mini‑portfolio, fanzine, film, or moving‑image piece that documents their concept development and process‑led experimentation. The project will culminate in one fully resolved final outcome that synthesises their research, creative enquiry, and practical exploration.
Associated Badges:
Delivery Plan:
Support provided through weekly in person tutorials and making workshop sessions on Wednesdays.
• In person workshop at the Whitworth Art Gallery: Friday 24 April, 1–3pm
• Three-week making and teaching block (late April–May)
• Concept submissions: early-May.
Please direct all queries to the lead delivery staff.
Liz Silvester- L.silvester@mmu.ac.uk
Sarah Easom- s.easom@mmu.ac.uk
- Staff Member: Hannah Palin
Along with the University of Manchester, we are delivering the Manchester Universities 7s Festival on Friday 24th April at Broughton Park RFC.
We want students to get involved by volunteering in the following roles:
- Pitch managers
- Administration
- Stewards
Associated Badges:
- Staff Member: Matt Carney
This programme supports talented Man Met students – from any discipline or subject – to transition into a career in Teaching. Through the programme you will gain:
- Careers Insights into Teaching, and ways you can advantage yourself in the PGCE application and interview process
- Relevant Skills with a training programme related to planning for and supporting learning, and an understanding of how these are applied by practicing teachers and PGCE tutors.
- Practical Experience with a school placement.
The programme will combine on-campus sessions, self-study and placement work as set out in the schedule. On completing the course, you will receive 250 points – with the opportunity to earn a further 160 with the recommended self-study kits.
Completing this programme will help support your application to PGCE and you will be able to demonstrate a full understanding of the role and skills required to be successful in these professions.
*Please be aware you will need to complete a DBS clearance check to take part in the placement element of this programme, this will be completed after the advertisement is closed & will be paid for by the programme – however you will need to provide documentation for this.
This activity is a Man Met Rise Career Incubator: Whilst conventional graduate schemes start when you finish University and secure a job, through Man Met Rise we make this kind of experience and training available to you before you leave us. We want to give you every advantage in accelerating your career towards your goal. Priority will be given to those that have engaged with the programme and attained their Silver or Bronze Educator Badge.
Associated Badges:
- Staff Member: Catherine Elkin
- Staff Member: John Lean
- Staff Member: Moodle Support
- Staff Member: Instructor11 Uat11
