Published: Friday, 2nd Nov 2018

Bolton students have transformed a load of rubbish into an impressive artwork exhibition.

Recycling exhibitionBolton students have transformed a load of rubbish into an impressive artwork exhibition.

 

Art students from the University of Bolton and Bolton College have joined forces with Bolton Council’s Waste and Recycling team to inspire people to recycle clothing and reusable items rather than throw them away.

 

And the exhibition to showcase the students’ work, including fashion garments, textile art and 3D collections, will take place at the Festival Hall in Bolton Town Hall on Monday, November 5.

 

Art and Design students have worked on three mini projects. The first, ‘Lost Cities’, recreates installations by artist Oliver Grossete and his collaboration with communities in Liverpool over the Summer.

 

They also worked with artist and tutor Liam Ainscough to produce ‘Junk Sculptures’ using materials they throw away every day.

 

The last mini project explores fabric manipulations to create a group installation piece, using waste materials from the Textile department at the University and their own wardrobes.

 

Bolton College students have produced body adornments using materials provided by the council, including old vinyls, wires and household rubbish which cannot be recycled and are impacting the environment.

 

More than 120 young adults from the University and College, which merged on August 1 this year, have taken part in the ‘ReClaim, ReWork, ReUse’ project.

 

Bolton Council’s Recycling Officers visited University and College campuses to provide sessions for the students.

 

They were taught the importance of recycling, as well as how people should dispose of waste responsibly in the community.

 

Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “We are delighted to work closely with the University and College on such an important project.

 

“The fashion and art produced by the students shows how talented they are and thanks to our waste and recycling team, they have learned a valuable message about how crucial it is to recycle correctly.”

 

Rachel Dawson, Textiles and Surface Design Lecturer at the University of Bolton School of the Arts, added: “The work the students have done is amazing and they have also learned a lot about the importance of recycling, which is so important.

 

“When I teach textiles and fashion I am passionate about sustainability. Every module I teach will use recyclable materials.

 

“These new artists and designers have a responsibility to be aware of the impact of not recycling properly and do their bit to have a positive impact on the environment.”

 

Nicola Karwat, Visual Arts Lecturer at Bolton College, said: “Our talented learners have worked incredibly hard to create art work that highlights the versatility and beauty of recycled materials.

 

“It’s been a pleasure working collaboratively with Bolton Council and the University’s School of Arts to create the exhibition.

 

“Following the merger with the University in August, we will continue to work together to create even more wonderful and thought-provoking pieces.” 

 

The show, which runs from 4pm to 6.30pm on Monday, will be a ticketed event (£1 each, available on the door) and proceeds will go to the Mayor of Bolton’s chosen charity.

 

The exhibition will form part of the students’ overall assessment portfolio for their diplomas in art and design and there will be a prize for the best ‘ReClaim, ReWork, ReUse’ project, sponsored by Bolton Council.