To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA.
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We have had a lot of discussion about photography recently, both at Format and here on WeAreOCA, so it felt time for a practical project – a competition. Inspired by Joel Meyerowitz’s image of a Manet inspired pastoral scene with a toilet roll, the competition challenges OCA students to come up with an image including […]
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Back from Focus on Imaging, we are now into full on assessment at the OCA. Focus is a show that stirs mixed emotions for me. It was great to meet so many of our photography students and we certainly had plenty of discussion with potential students, however the content of the show doesn’t really do […]
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I’ve got a postcard with this heading and the statements below it on the wall at home. Displayed with a somewhat tongue in cheek intent of course, it does act of a reminder, not just of my ardent feminism in the 70s, but, on International Womens’ Day (today) perhaps it’s appropriate to look at the […]
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Aspiring writers and textiles enthusiasts take note! The OCA has just had two new degrees validated — a BA(Hons) Creative Writing degree and a BA(Hons) Textiles degree. The BA(Hons) Creative Writing degree offers a wide range of specialist modules, including narrative and dialogue, writing for children, life writing and writing poetry. It’s the only open […]
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Our latest Blog of the week is Photosynthesis by Eileen Rafferty. It is a brilliant learning log because Eileen isn’t afraid to take risks. She pushes herself to take photographs in places or situations in which she doesn’t feel comfortable and she owns up to herself (ie reflects on) these feelings in her blog. What […]
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We waved at Jennifer on her webcam, wrapped up with a cup of something in her hand as we introduced each other on the orientation workshop for the new MA programme. OCA has recently launched its ground breaking MA in Fine Art online, which started with a two day workshop in Barnsley which attracted most […]
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In these times of economic woe the public library is under threat. Currently there are 450 public libraries and mobile services facing closure in the UK. This has stirred writers, poets and readers into organising ‘read in’ protests to try and halt the cuts. Central government rationalise that declining numbers of users, cheap online books […]
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Blog of the week today comes from Printmaking student Carol Stimpson. Quite apart for the from the fabulous images of her work the thing that clearly stands out from Carole’s blog is the way she tests ideas and reflects and evaluates whether what she thinks of them. For example, this is just an extract of […]
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Jim Smith reports: ‘As you may know, the OCA is in the process of starting a Student Association as a way to enable students to make a positive contribution to the operation and development of the OCA, through consultation, representation and dialogue. It should also provide a further means of providing peer support. We recently […]
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I like sketchbooks best. I mean, often they are more exciting that the finished article. They have layers of work and re-work, layers of meaning, of frustration, anxiety, joy and pain. The best sketchbooks are also brimming with ideas, and show the artist’s journey in a ‘warts and all’ way. This made me excited about […]
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