'Shaping Ideas', 2004 and 2007

Tate Liverpool and Rolls Royce, Derby.

Shaping Ideas was a creativity and innovation programme, designed as part of the training of Rolls-Royce first year engineering apprentices, delivered in partnership with Tate Liverpool.

The programme sets out to develop the apprentices’ abilities to think creatively, confidently and innovatively in the workplace. It aims to develop a knowledge and understanding of the creative processes used by artists and draw comparisons between art practices and those used in engineering.

Gillian was artist educator for the initial programme in 2004 and returned to this role in 2007, working alongside artist Susan Leask.

The programme of practical and theoretical activities is designed to develop the apprentices' creative, critical thinking and team working skills through engaging them in looking at, making and exhibiting contemporary art.

The 2004 programme resulted in three exhibitions entitled 'Chemistry I, II and III'; at Rolls-Royce Learning & Career Development Centre, Derby Museum & Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool. It won an award at the National Arts & Business awards.

The 2007 programme used the theme Place: public, physical and imagined identity, with the focus on art in the public realm, as a context for investigating ideas. The resulting works exhibited at the Rolls-Royce Learning and Career Development Centre are prototypes for public artworks.

Contact Gillian Brent