From autumn 2003 to summer 2006 I led four projects at Plymouth College of Art and Design to improve the learning experience and level of attainment of BME students, and to promote cultural diversity and establish partnerships with BME organisations in the city. The projects were known by the umbrella title of ‘Unity’ and funded by grant awards from The Learning and Skills Council. As well as programmes of college-wide activities, initiatives included:
* a residency by Punjabi-British artist Chila Burman
* the recording and release of Beyond Words, a hip hop/rap album by Jibi/The Loane Ranger
* a collaborative event with the University of Plymouth Student Union (UPSU) promoting progression to Higher Education to BME teenagers, held in Sherwell Church during Fair Trade Week
* D-Day, a day celebrating multiculturalism, with a 40 foot-long graffiti wall, film screenings, non-stop music and jewellery-making workshops
D-day from Sundog Media on Vimeo.
Four students created the graffiti wall, each designed and painted a word to represent Unity: ONE / LIFE / LOVE / FAITH.
The Unity microsite, created in 2006, forms a legacy of the project, and was available on the Plymouth College of Art website until summer 2010.