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Local artist takes inspiration from biosciences

Whitstable artist Annie Halliday has received a grant from Arts Council England towards a year-long residency in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Kent.

The residency will give Annie the opportunity to make new artwork for display at the University, inspired by research in the Department. She will also lead a series of workshops in Kent schools with support from the University Partner School Initiative, and materials given free-of-charge from Dulux/ICI. The workshops, which will be a mixture of science, art and IT, are designed to encourage creativity in students aged 11-16 while they learn about the scientific processes involved.

A number of postgraduates have already taken part in a training session to enable them to co-facilitate pinhole camera workshops with Annie. Axton Chase School in Longfield was one of the first to express an interest in this project.

Annie Halliday said: 'There is wonderful scope for me to make new work during my residency in Biosciences. Scientists in the department are engaged in fascinating and cutting-edge research projects, with great imaging potential.

'Science is the key source and inspiration for my art practice, incorporating my earlier career as a biological scientist.'

Annie also acknowledged the Arts Council grant which, together with support from the University, will enable her 'to make ambitious new artwork'.

Dr Richard Williamson, Lecturer in Protein Biochemistry and the Outreach Officer for the Department of Biosciences, said: 'We welcome Annie Halliday into the Department and look forward to supporting the workshops, and seeing the results of her artwork.'

Jane Anderson, Partnership Development Officer at the University, said: 'We are delighted to be supporting this programme of innovative and cross-disciplinary workshops. It is exactly the kind of activity that we seek to provide, to encourage and inspire young people to realise their full potential in education.'

For further information on Annie Halliday, go to: www.anniehalliday.com

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 2:53pm 6 October 2008