'A key element of programs is that they are sites of learning … As such, they often embody visions of social futures.' 

Saville Kushner (2000)

This case study explored the work-related learning experiences of final-year students and early graduates on the BA(Hons) Arts and Event Management course at The Arts University College at Bournemouth (AUCB).

This three year full time vocational course aims to prepare students for careers in the management of the arts and creative industries. An exceptionally high practical content in the form of group projects where students create ‘live’ arts and other events with consideration of the arts management environment is a unique and defining feature of the course. Such events may include, for example, festivals, exhibitions, fashion shows, arts workshops, theatre productions, dance events, gigs and tours. The curriculum includes arts management, cultural theory and practice, arts marketing, human resource management, finance, information technology and various strategic studies that are all integrated into the project work.

As part of the multiple case study analysis of this project, and therefore taking under consideration The Young Design Programme case study, the aims of this case study were to further explore:

1. How creative transfer is ‘triggered’ by the ways in which the course itself, particularly its practice-based elements are organised and 

2. How such WRL activities contribute to students’ creative skills and employability by tracking final year students as they graduate.

The report can be found online here.

Conference presentations

Smith, C. & Triantafyllaki, A. (2010) Creative arts students’ work-related learning experiences in the public and third sectors: A cross-case analysis of four dimensions of learning. SCEPTRE Enabling a More Complete Education conference, April 2010, University of Surrey, U.K.

Triantafyllaki, A. (2010) Work-related learning activities as agents for transfer. 5th CLTAD International Conference. Challenging the curriculum: Exploring discipline boundaries in art, design and media, April 2010, Berlin, Germany.