Student Programme for Eastside ProjectsOutline:

• To create a new network between students at Birmingham City University, The University of Wolverhampton, Coventry University, Staffordshire University, The University of Worcester and Eastside Projects

• To have a regular meeting peer led steering group for events and a publication (zine) relating to Eastside Projects exhibitions programme

• To have events programmed by Eastside Projects outside of the Student Network open to all students

Creating a West Midlands Art Student Network:

• Make contact with local universities, make site visits

• Create a database

• Create a flyer/e-flyer giving information on signing up, transport to Eastside Projects ect.

• Generate interest and form a core group of participants

Structure of the Student Network:

• Meeting weekly during term time

• Creating events based on Eastside Projects’ exhibitions

• Creating a publication to be distributed to students

• A chance to put students in touch with opportunities, events and exhibitions happening regionally and nationally through electronic newsletter.

Student Publication:

•To be published at the start of each academic term (Autumn, Spring, Summer)

• Loosely themed around current exhibitions at Eastside Projects

• Content could include local listings, student profiles, debate and opinion, exhibition write ups

• By students for students – to be distributed by post to those on the database and also at Art departments at local universities either for free or at cost price

West Midlands Art Student Network Programmed Event Example:

Eastside Projects Student Nite/Spring

Eastside Projects and the Midlands Art Student Network present an evening of performances in response to Mike Nelson’s ‘M6’.

- Readings from Jorge Louis Borges’ ‘There are more things’ by students from the Drama and Theatre Arts Department of Birmingham City University- Screening of a psycogeographical tour of the area surrounding the M6 motorway by Eastside Projects‘ Student Network members- Artist Laura Oldfield Ford presents a specially commissioned edition of here zine ‘Savage Messiah’ inspired by wanderings around the regions motorways.

Why will this encourage participants to join Extra Special People on graduation?•The network creates a sustained and personal relationship with Eastside Projects over a long period.

•Many of the events feed naturally into the Extra Special People programme of peer led support and feedback.

•Creating a new network of friends and colleagues encouraging retention of students in the region.