Artist in Residence Programme: 3D–5D Exhibition & Symposium

A group of Year 8 and 9 students recently took part in an inspiring six-week Artist in Residence programme exploring the dynamic relationship between art, sculpture and emerging technologies. The programme culminated in the prestigious 3D–5D Learning Revolution Exhibition and Symposium, hosted by Pangaea Sculpture Centre at the historic Daimler Powerhouse in Coventry.

Throughout the morning, work from pilot schools was shared through a professionally curated exhibition, live demonstrations and student presentations. Rather than simply displaying finished pieces, the symposium focused on making learning visible — tracing how ideas evolve through hands-on experimentation, problem-solving and creative thinking. Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with pupils, hear about their experiences and witness the development of ideas in real time, from initial explorations to proposals for public sculpture.

During the residency, students worked closely with practising artist Lucy Mebarki on a project titled The APA APA Drawer. The project explored the familiar idea of the “everything drawer” — a place for unusual and forgotten objects kept ‘just in case’ they might one day prove useful. Students discussed the many names’ people give these drawers, such as “junk drawer”, and used this concept to think beyond an object’s function, considering its form, texture and potential for reinvention.

Students explored these objects through a wide range of creative processes, including drawing, ceramics, mixed media and photography, before moving into the digital realm. Using 3D scanning, virtual reality and modelling, pupils transformed their physical work into a 5D digital environment, gaining first-hand experience of how advancing technologies are shaping contemporary art and sculpture practice.

The final stage of the programme saw students’ work showcased at Daimler Green in a public exhibition. A group of students — Aiva Stockford, Julia Smith, Lucy Ackers, Lillie Brown and Isabel Brownson — confidently and articulately represented the school during a live Q&A session, discussing their creative process, technical learning and the experience of working with a professional artist.

Overall, the project was an exciting and enriching opportunity. Students pushed the boundaries of their creativity, developed new skills and experienced art beyond the confines of the classroom — gaining valuable insight into the wide range of careers within the creative industries and the future possibilities of art and technology.