3 – 7 February is The Big Refresh, our non-teaching week. This is an important break during your course, and a chance for you to catch up on work, focus on your wellbeing, or attend some of the free activities taking place across UAL. All events taking place at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon are open to all students at those colleges. You're also invited to attend some sessions at London College of Communication - further details below. All activities are free, but please ensure you book in advance for sessions that require it. Any students with accessibility needs will be supported.
Monday 3 February
Camberwell Disability Drop-In: University Disability Service
11:00 – 15:00, A105
Self-directed tours of Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Libraries
An opportunity to visit any of the Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon libraries, browse our resources and see our range of study spaces, including the Camberwell Learning Zone, Ground Floor, Gardens House. The tours are self-guided, but staff are on hand to answer any questions.
Self-directed tours of London College of Communication Library – SE1 6SB
A chance for Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon students to visit the LCC Library, browse our resources and see the current Library exhibitions. The tours are self-guided, but staff are on hand to answer any questions.
Free Yoga Class – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB: Arts Students’ Union
18:00 – 19:00, LCC T304
Free, no booking required. All levels welcome. Mats provided. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.
It’s All Blakademik – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB: I & ER Projects
19:00 – 21:00
It’s All Blakademik Live is one of the hottest live shows in the UK for intelligent, progressive and engaging debate on issues relevant to the Black community. Previous live debates in 2019, included shows at BoxPark, Jerk Fest and The Stockwell Playhouse. Channel 4 News, talkSport Presenter and creator of It’s All Blakademik, Jordan Jarrett Bryan will be joined by members of his production team to talk about their show and media production. Join us at LCC, Lecture Theatre A for 18.30 and get involved in a discussion on how to enter the broadcast media world and start up your own Media Production company.
Tuesday 4 February
Breakfast Club
10:00 – 11:30, Camberwell Canteen
Relax, catch-up or start your day at The Big Refresh over free breakfast in the canteen.
Self-directed tours of Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Libraries
An opportunity to visit any of the Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon libraries and browse our resources and see our range of study spaces, including the Camberwell Learning Zone, Ground Floor, Gardens House. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Self-directed tours of London College of Communication Library – SE1 6SB
A chance to visit the LCC Library, browse our resources and see the current Library exhibitions. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Mindful Mending with Molly Martin: Arts Students’ Union
10:30 – 12:00, A302
Professional textile repairer Molly Martin hosts a mending workshop to guide you through ancient Eastern techniques to repair your most beloved textiles. This workshop specialises in woven repair i.e. cotton, silk, jeans, linen etc. Remember to bring something to mend!
Book your place here.
Art Therapy Taster: Counselling and Student Health Advice
11:00 – 13:00, Lecture Theatre
By using a variety of art materials, your own creative process will be encouraged and explored during this 2-hour art therapy group workshop. With your permission, the artwork created will be reflected upon together, thinking about understanding and healing.
Book your place here.
Camberwell Library Special Collections Show and Tell: Library Services
12:00 – 13:30, Camberwell Library
Explore the special collection at Camberwell library through specimens about the theme of Nature and Books, from historical botanical illustrated books to artists’ books on the climate emergency.
Block Printing: MA skill-sharing Workshop
13:00 – 15:00, A302
Create your own gift wrapping material and personalised tote bags in this workshop! You will use traditional printmaking techniques to carve wooden blocks and make customised designs.
Writing in Action: empathetic and creative responses to writing: Academic Support
14:00 – 16:00, Camberwell Learning Zone
This workshop will look to other modes of writing beyond the academic register and find playful and empathetic ways to use text and writing as an art practice or to engender creative writing. We will do physical exercises as well as conceptual practice so please wear comfortable clothing for movement.
Book your place at academicsupportonline.arts.ac.uk
Manifestines: Zine Workshop
15:00 – 17:00, Camberwell Canteen
Reflect on your experiences at Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon so far and suggest changes to improve wellbeing and address social/structural inequalities. No prior experience of zine-making is needed.
#manifestines
Yoga for Creativity: Arts Students’ Union
15:00 – 16:30, Lecture Theatre Peckham Road
Release and explore your creativity through meditation and movement, accompanied by music and with the opportunity and freedom to stop to write/draw/explore ideas during the class if inspiration comes.
Book your place here.
Supper Club
16:00 – 18:00, Camberwell Canteen
Wind down and finish your day with free supper in the canteen.
Wednesday 5 February
Breakfast Club
10:00 – 11:30, Chelsea Canteen
Relax, catch-up or start your day at The Big Refresh over free breakfast in the canteen.
Self-directed tours of Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Libraries
An opportunity to visit any of the Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon libraries and browse our resources and see our range of study spaces, including the Camberwell Learning Zone, Ground Floor, Gardens House. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Self-directed tours of London College of Communication Library – SE1 6SB
A chance to visit the LCC Library, browse our resources and see the current Library exhibitions. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Walk and Talk: Academic Support
10:30 – 15:30 (half an hour sessions for one or two students)
It has been said that walking and talking often allows us to share thoughts in a less pressured and more relaxed environment. Join an Academic Support tutor for a walk to experience a more meditative and mindful context to discuss your ideas.
Book your place at academicsupportonline.arts.ac.uk
Record Your Life through zine-making: MA skill-sharing Workshop
11:00 – 13:00, Camberwell Canteen
Explore your self-expression and empower your daily life by zine making. Create a mini graphic journal to illustrate your personal thoughts, memories, emotions and ideas.
Lunchtime Book Talk: Library Services
12:00 – 13:30, Camberwell Library
David Cross, Reader in Art and Design at the University of the Arts London, will introduce a book significant in his thinking about sustainability and ecology in connection with his practice, followed by group discussion.
Introduction to simple bookbinding: MA skill-sharing Workshop
13:00 – 15:00, Camberwell Lecture Theatre
Join in for a simple introduction to bookbinding. Incorporate new skills into your creative practice.
Visit the University Archives and Special Collections Centre
London College of Communication, SE1 6SB
13:00 – 14:00, Archives and Special Collection Centre
Find out about the range of material held by the University Archives and Special Collections Centre and how you can consult it for your own learning and/or enjoyment! Items on show will be selected from the Centre’s archives and collections which include posters by graphic designer Tom Eckersley, a diverse Comic Book Collection, objects from the David Usborne Collection and the Archive of film-maker Stanley Kubrick.
Pattern Design Workshop: MA skill-sharing Workshop
15:00 – 17:00, A220
Learn how to create a repeat pattern tile by hand. Make and take away a mock-up of your repeat pattern tile, as well as a print and a colourway, to develop further at home. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring along your favourite working mediums to experiment.
Supper Club
16:00 – 18:00, Camberwell Canteen
Wind down and finish your day with some free supper in the canteen.
Thursday 6 February
The Filter Bubble: What you still don’t know – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB: Design School Professional Practices
11:00 – 15:00, D115 The Place
An interactive installation acting as a platform for alternative information. You are invited to come inside to interact with chatbots and see how they spread false information collected from forums.
Fuzzy Spaces: Swap Shop – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB
LCC Design School
12:00 – 17:00, LCC Canteen and Library
A marketplace of minds. We launch you onto lines of flight where bartering and collaboration become second nature. Join us to exchange clothing, ideas and time in spaces that test the boundaries of uncertainty.
The Camberwell ILEA Collection Show & Tell
13:00 – 14:30, Camberwell Library
An opportunity to see a display of design, craft and studio pottery from the Camberwell ILEA Collection. Handle objects, see historic archive material and talk to the collections curator. Find out how you can use the collection within your practice.
Self-directed tours of Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Libraries
An opportunity to visit any of the Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon libraries and browse our resources and see our range of study spaces, including the Camberwell Learning Zone, Ground Floor, Gardens House. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Self-directed tours of London College of Communication Library – SE1 6SB
A chance to visit the LCC Library, browse our resources and see the current Library exhibitions. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Free Yoga Class: Arts Students’ Union
17:30 – 18:30, Lecture Theatre Wilson Road
All levels welcome. Mats provided. Wear comfortable clothing for exercise.
Representation in front and behind the lens – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB: I & ER Projects
18:00 – 19:30, Lecture Theatre C
David Hevey will talk about his career in media and how he forced organisations such as the BBC to open up to diversity and inclusion. His campaign work in film, television, culture and digital has been about pushing representation in front of and behind the lens.
Friday 7 February
Disability Drop-In: University Disability Service
11:00 – 15:00, A105
Camberwell Library Special Collections Show & Tell: Library Services
12:00 – 13:30, Camberwell Library
Based on the theme of Nature and books, from historical botanical illustrated books to artists’ books on the climate emergency.
Well-being Reading List Hackathon – London College of Communication, SE1 6SB
13:00 – 14:00, LCC Library
A collaborative event in which the concept of wellbeing is explored and discussed by library staff and students. Students are then encouraged to find relevant books online based on the ideas raised. This activity culminates in the building of 'reading list' of suggested books that the library will subsequently buy for the LCC Library Collection. The hackathon will hopefully provide a valuable and inclusive opportunity for students to ponder the meaning of wellbeing whilst making a tangible contribution to the development for our collections for the benefit of the wider University community.
Self-directed tours of Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Libraries
An opportunity to visit any of the Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon libraries and browse our resources and see our range of study spaces, including the Camberwell Learning Zone, Ground Floor, Gardens House. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.
Self-directed tours of London College of Communication Library - SE1 6SB
A chance to visit the LCC Library, browse our resources and see the current Library exhibitions. The tours are self-guided, but staff would be on hand to answer any questions.