On Friday 30th October and Saturday 31st October Concord is holding a unique art exhibition of alumni work at the renowned Crafts Council Gallery in Islington. 

'Art Matters' will be an opportunity for Concordians from all backgrounds to gather together to celebrate creative thinking and meet up with old friends and teachers. 

Why are we holding this event?

Last year Anthony Hudson, Head of Art, reached out to his former art and photography students to ask them to share 'why art matters' in a world where science and A.I. dominate the news...and also career choices. He was overwhelmed with the response, and was flooded with passionate and thoughtful words about why art matters, and what Concord's Art Department meant to its former students.

We want to share this passion with everyone and encourage more people to stop, think and feel inspired by art and creativity.

What will you see at the exhibition?

Thanks to some incredibly generous donations, you will see over 50 works of art from Concord alumni, and we plan to persuade some teachers to submit pieces too.

You will see clothing and jewellery from world class designers, inspiring architectural models and 3D prints, ceramics, embroidery, films & digital displays, photos, prints & paintings and thought-provoking installations. All of them produced by professionals who had a Concord education and many have won notable awards for their work.

What is happening over the two days?

On the evening of Friday 30th October there will be a special drinks and canapes reception for alumni and staff. It is not just for Art Alumni - it is for all Concordians and staff to reconnect and enjoy the opportunity to find out more about what our leavers have become.

*** Tickets will be available from early September

On Saturday 31st October there will be an open day for the public to pop in and see the artwords, chat with staff, including Concord Principal Michael Truss, and take part in interactive activities with our Art Department. We hope current students and alumni will join us too!

About the Crafts Council Gallery

The prestigious Crafts Council Gallery in Islington is a Grade II listed former chapel converted into a contemporary exhibition space - from the outside it even looks a bit like Concord! The space is not a conventional art gallery, it is home to a national organisation dedicated to promoting contemporary creativity and high-quality craftsmanship. Take a look HERE

You might like to know that in 2023 six Concord students won the Key Stage 3 category of Yinka's Challenge, run by the Crafts Council in collaboration with British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori!

Pictured: Our first planning visit to the Crafts Council Gallery