This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module introduces the principle management and creative skills of event design and production. Through classes, work experiences and the production of a small creative event students will be introduced to procedures, working methods and requirements of event design, construction, production and project management.
The first few weeks of the module will act as a 'creative warm-up', providing a number of short exercises to help students develop imaginative responses to project briefs and stimuli. The module will then settle to focus on one or two more extended projects. The nature, content and focus of the project(s) will vary each year depending upon topical issues. They will always focus on developing the creative imagination and will introduce ideas related to: space, transformation, experiential environments, personal rites of passage, food and eating.
Alongside the initial creative exercise students will be introduced to techniques for managing a project, and for ensuring their ideas can be realised on time, and to budget. Students will also be Students will therefore plan and design a project, budget it, assess the safety implications (at an introductory level – this aspect will be developed further in a later module), build and install it, organise purchases and transport, manage the project, liaise with external agencies as necessary, and finally deliver an event on time and to budget.
Finally students will strike, debrief and evaluate their project(s).
Essentially this module will prepare students for many of the challenges and methodologies present in later project based modules.
This module will provide an introduction to the resources available to you, facilitating your further study.
Early classes will offer intensive creative workshops and short projects, at first fairly closely prescribed and supervised, as the module progresses projects will become more extended and your work will become a little more independent. The final one or two projects will dominate the final half of the module, and be specified as 'assessment projects'. These will be taught through practical workshops and supervision.
Core aspects of event production will be introduced through lectures and in class workshops, followed by set assignments for the week, often related to the creative projects being undertaken. These set assignments may frequently require you to produce small events, or aspects of events, on a weekly basis prior to the main final project(s). Once the core ground work has been undertaken the module will then focus its delivery around a small project (or 2 projects, depending upon topic considerations – the details will be published annually in the course handbook) to be realised by students in small groups. Theoretical and logistical material will be woven into practical project wherever possible.
While teaching patterns will change as the module progresses, on average you can expect 4 hours of direct supervision per week, there may be additional group meetings or technical support as the needs arises. Learning will principally take place through discussion and workshop session which will include student and staff led presentations, demonstrations and discussions, as well as site visits - the nature of each class will depend upon the state that the project is in. Key theoretical aspects will be introduced through lecture presentations.
Approximately every 3 weeks you (and your group) will present an interim report on your project
A 30 credit module should occupy you for approximately half of a working week. You will be expected to dedicate about 15 hours a week to this module outside of class time.
The main aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of, and ability to participate in the process of event creation, and thus the majority of assessment is based upon this process, and as such assessment will be continuous and often based on a combination of tutor observation, peer group assessment and the presentation of interim reports (verbal or written) to tutors.
UoA1. Critical and analytical Presentation: This will be submitted verbally, through visualisations and in writing at the end of the introductory projects. This will assess students' understanding of the design decisions in the context of theoretical, cultural and practical contexts of the formative projects undertaken, background research undertaken and their ability to clearly and persuasively communicate their ideas. Students will be notified at least a week in advance of the timing and briefed on this presentation. 30% (Learning outcomes 11.1, 11.3, 11.6, 12.2, 12.3, 12.6)
UoA2. Final project(s), assessed for its/their creative imagination and energy, its/their appropriateness to the brief, and its/their creative, logistical and production achievement and teamwork. Assessed by observation of the project by lecturers and individual crit/interview. 40% (Learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.4, 11.6, 12.2, 12.7)
UoA3. A written report reflecting on the final project, to include the project pitch or proposal, an evaluation of aims and objectives in the proposal, how they were met, what changes or developments took in place. This is a reflection on the creative process, demonstrating an understanding of that process from conceptualisation (idea), through production to presentation. Research sources and references are also to be included, images can be included. Also to include the practical steps taken to ensure realisation (timetables, planning notes and budgets). 30% (Learning outcomes 11.1-4, 11.6, 12.3, 12.6)
Ayres, R & D. Butler. 1991. Live Art. Sunderland: AN Publications.
PINE. J. B. and J.H. Gilmore. 1999. The Experience Economu: Work is Theatre & Every Business is a Stage. Boston: Harvard.
DE OLIVERA. N., N. Oxley and M. Petry. 2004. Installation Art in the New Millennium – The
Empire of the Senses. London: Thames & Hudson
GOLDBERG, R. 2004. Performance. Live Art Since the 60s. London: Thames & Hudson.
SHONE, A and B. Parry. 2013. Successful Event Management: A practical handbook. Andover :
Cengage Learning
TAYLOR, B. 2004. Collage: The Making of Modern Art. London: Thames & Hudson.
MATTISON, R.S. 2003. Robert Rauschenberg: Breaking Boundaries. New Haven [Conn];
London: Yale University Press.
KAYE, N. 2000. Site-Specific Art: Performance, Place and Documentation. Routledge. New York;
London.
Sources of Reference;
EISENMAN, S. 2006. Building Design Portfolios; Innovative Concepts for Presenting your Work.
Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport Publishing; Hove: Rotovision.
TUFTE, E. R. 1990. Envisioning Information. Cheshire,CT : Graphics Press
SIDAWAY, I. and S. Hoggett. 2005. The Practical Encyclopedia of Drawing. London: Lorenz
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes
After successfully completing this module students will:
1) have been introduced to approaches to working creatively, including design conceptualisation;
decision making and problem solving; understanding the brief; site selection, manipulation and
enhancement; imagery and other sensual stimulation; audience gathering, reception and
dispersal.
2) have gained experience in visualising and executing imaginative 3D/2D or spatial designs using
a range of materials in a range of contexts, and evaluating the process and outcomes
3) have developed an understanding of the multifaceted and multidisciplinary processes necessary
to the realisation of a creative event, from idea to execution
4) have contributed to the creative and design aspects of an appropriately scaled (for C level)
realised event (or events) from conception to execution
5) have been introduced to the management of the operations and logistics of event production
including the operations manual, basic health and safety, simple budgets and schedules and
approaches to project management
6) have developed an awareness and understanding of design and planning considerations
specifically related to experiential environments, interactive installations, personal celebrations
and social functions; marking of rites of passage (particularly an awareness of the role and
expectations of the audience / participants)
The intended generic learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module students will:
1) have worked as part of a team, sharing and taking responsibility, negotiating roles and tasks
2) have solved problems of a practical and logistical nature
3) have communicated their creative and logistical intentions clearly and accurately using
appropriate language and graphics
4) have used computers to retrieve and share information including e-mail, the world wide web,
spreadsheets.
5) have used numbers in keeping budgets and schedules
6) have evaluated their own performance and learning as a creative event producer and as a
team member, they will also have evaluated the work of others
7) have exercised personal responsibility and initiative
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