News and Events
University graduates to create new play in link-up with acclaimed theatre company
A group of Performing Arts graduates from Coventry University’s School of Art and Design (CSAD) are working with internationally-renowned theatre company Frantic Assembly to produce and perform a play in the city in January.
The performance, entitled Lucky, will take place on Friday 13th January in the Ellen Terry Building, Jordan Well, and will incorporate Frantic Assembly’s trademark physical style – a combination of movement, dance, music and text.
Thirteen Coventry University graduates, who studied a range of degree programmes from Theatre and Professional Practice to Dance Making and Performance, will script, choreograph and manage the technical aspects of the play under the direction of two of Frantic Assembly’s lead practioners.
In a twist that will test the mettle and the creative instincts of the graduates, the group will have just one week to devise and create the show from scratch, with ten of them focusing on the script and onstage performance while three others work on the music, lighting and sound.
The company will rehearse throughout the week at the University’s dedicated rehearsal space in its Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE), before moving into the Ellen Terry Building on Jordan Well where the one-off performance will take place.
Coventry University’s School of Art and Design is funding the project through its Creative Futures office, which was set up to support and seek out employment opportunities for students and graduates of the arts.
The link-up with Frantic Assembly is intended to give the graduates a first step into work as freelance performers, as well as providing them with mentored guidance from expert theatre practitioners and an unprecedented experience of life in the creative industries.
Rachel Dealtry, who graduated from Coventry University in June with a first class honours degree in Theatre and Professional Practice, said:
“To begin 2012 in residency with a theatre company like Frantic Assembly is a fantastic career opportunity. There is a lot of competition in the job market for the creative industries, but Coventry University has been great in supporting its art and design graduates with initiatives like this. I am beside myself with excitement about developing further as a performer.”
Professor Mark Evans, Associate Dean of Coventry School of Art and Design, said:
“This is a magnificent opportunity for the Performing Arts graduates involved. Work experience is one thing, but the chance to act as a fledgling theatre group under the guidance and mentorship of practitioners from an acclaimed company like Frantic Assembly is unprecedented. It’ll give our graduates a unique insight into real life operations in the creative industries, and will hopefully set them on the right course to be able to develop their careers as self-employed performers.
“Through the Creative Futures office at Coventry University we’re providing dedicated support and training both to help students on courses in art and design, and to prepare them for the varied career paths that are open to them in the creative industries. An opportunity like this could open many doors for these graduates.”
Neil Bettles, Creative Associate at Frantic Assembly, is one of the practitioners working with the graduates. He said:
“Five days to create an original and dynamic piece of theatre is a huge challenge, but a challenge that we thrive on. We are very much looking forward to working with Coventry University to make what will be a blistering 45 minutes of theatre that will leave the participants with skills and an experience to develop as theatre practitioners.
“'Lucky' will be a fast-paced mixture of movement and text, based on our superstitions and everyday rituals. All of the elements will be created within the five days and the participants can expect to be pushed very hard mentally and physically. It is an exhausting process but we hope it is also inspiring and thoroughly rewarding. Our audience on the Friday evening will be the first to witness the outcome and be part of an exciting evening of fresh, uncompromising theatre.”
The play marks the first occasion Frantic Assembly has worked with Coventry University on a creative project, and is part of the School of Art and Design’s ongoing efforts to encourage its students and graduates to engage with enterprising initiatives which will help them into employment.
It is intended that the play produced by the graduates in conjunction with Frantic Assembly will be able to be re-performed at a number of venues around the UK once the project is complete.
Find out more about Coventry University’s Performing Arts degrees, or for more information on Frantic Assembly and its work, please visit their website.
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Final year student leaves a lasting impression on the University
Illustration Graphics student, Alex Tyrer, has had his work displayed on a grand scale – covering the hoardings around the University’s new Engineering and Computing building.
The work was part of a self-initiated brief for Alex’s course. Alex approached staff in Estates, Marketing and Engineering and Computing to offer his design skills.
Liz Smith, Faculty Support Manager in EC, described to Alex the type of work which would be carried out in the building and provided Alex with three themes to base his design on. These were Aerospace, Computing and Automotive. Alex was also asked to work with colours from the University’s brand palette.
For the aerospace element of the design, Alex based his illustration on features from aircraft including the engine and blades. The computing element – which is Alex’s favourite of the three – is based on a computer tower and the contents within the tower. The automotive elements incorporate the hexagonal themes on the exterior of the building.
Alex said: ‘My original plan was to hand draw my designs straight onto the hoarding – but the scale of the project was too big and it would have taken me months to complete. The designs were still hand drawn, although on a smaller scale and then scanned and enlarged to fit the hoardings.’
He continued: ‘I am quite pleased with how the designs look. I was a little worried that they might not look good when they were up but I am happy with the way they look now. I have had some great feedback about the work and it’s something different to add to my portfolio.’
Alex is currently working on an illustrated children’s book for Macmillan Cancer Care. He is also exhibiting in the University’s art and design degree show in June and the prestigious Free Range exhibition until July.
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Coventry University School of Art & Design presents... Rock Your Soul the big fund
raiser for the 2011 BA Graphic Design degree show
A night showcasing the work of students from Coventry University School of Art & Design from years one to three. As well as a night packed with a diverse range of music with genres ranging from Rock, Grime, Garage, Hip Hop, Funky House, POP, R&B, Jazz, Soul, Spoken Word and Classical.
Come prepared as students and companies will be selling a variety of creative designs, paintings and music. Look out for the art and crafts stand courtesy of Crafty Arts (Art resources at discounted prices) and JABS Creative for fair trade hoodies and t-shirts.
Date: Tuesday 22 March 2011
Venue: Coventry Methodist Central Hall CV1 2HA (near the glass house)
Time: Doors open 6:30pm, 7pm start - 10:30pm
Tickets: £8 Adults
Student Special: £6 £10 on the door
*You have until 12pm Tuesday 22 March to buy tickets in advance after this time is will be £10 from 6:30pm on the door
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For tickets please call: Sam: 07506 306 962 or Sena: 07783 524 629 Or visit the Graham Sutherland Building 4th Floor Third year Graphic Design studio and ask for Feride Or Facebook inbox Illham Aboo or Brian Omolo. Or buy directly from Coventry Methodist Central Hall For further information please refer to the FACEBOOK event page.
The night will include guest performances from the UKs finest such as:
Prizes to be won on the night and much more... rock your soul after party £3 entry (first 25 students in free) Clique bar 6a Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD.
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University graduates work with top fashion brand
A team of five graduates from Coventry University is spending this autumn working with award-winning fashion designer Gavin Douglas as he prepares his spring/summer 2011 collection.
The fashion graduates are making use of the University’s state-of-the-art studios to help with research, development and production on Mr Douglas’s new designs.
Since starting his business in 2004, Birmingham-based Mr Douglas has carved a reputation for producing a unique brand of high-end fashion for women.
His ultra-chic garments – which have been worn by the likes of Kelly Rowland and Estelle – have won him a string of commendations, including Avant-Garde Designer of the Year in 2004 and the prestigious Fashion Fringe award in 2006.
Mr Douglas showcased his debut collection during the Caribbean Fashion Week in 2005 and has gone on to exhibit designs at major fashion shows in London and Paris. His brand has wholesaled to high-end stores such as Harrods and Yoox.com.
As part of the new collaboration with Coventry University, Mr Douglas is providing graduates with exclusive industry experience – including roles such as pattern cutting, print designing and garment production – while offering a series of on-campus workshops for fashion undergraduates over the next academic year.
The paid internships, which are being supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), reflect the University’s increased focus on helping its students and graduates to develop their employability skills and meet the demands of today’s challenging job market.
Ann Muirhead, Head of Fashion at Coventry University, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for all the graduates involved. We're very excited to be collaborating with Gavin, and the department is looking forward to building a strong relationship with him from which both sides can benefit. This is also an excellent example of how the University is engaging with the business community not only to help develop research and innovation, but also to help our students and graduates progress into the world of work.”
Gavin Douglas said:
“Coventry University has some of the most advanced technology and machinery used within the fashion industry. It's fantastic for me to have access to this machinery to develop my new line. I'm looking forward to working with the fashion department and their students and graduates. The graduates are getting the opportunity to observe and actively participate in the creation of our new line of clothing, from the concept to the completed garment which I'm sure they'll agree will be an exciting experience.”
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Design students’ cars of the future on show in Coventry Transport Museum
The next generation of automotive designers will be exhibiting their best work to the public during the Coventry University MA Degree Show at the Transport Museum from this Friday.
Students of the University’s Automotive Design and Vehicle Interiors MA courses are showcasing a selection of cutting-edge concepts which combine an environmentally-friendly philosophy with the technology of tomorrow.
This year’s projects, which take the form of detailed scale models, include a radical Lotus sports car design, a luxury interior for a hydrogen-powered Bentley and a fully-transformable, multi-purpose vehicle which is a motorbike, a personal mobility device and a car rolled into one.
Over six months of development work went into each project, including research into engineering feasibility, the ergonomics of the design and the making of the models and digital animations.
Aamer Mahmud, MA Automotive Design course director at Coventry University, said:
“The MA Degree Show is always an exciting time as it’s a chance to show off the incredible talents of our Automotive Design and Vehicle Interiors students. Coventry University’s School of Art & Design has a rich heritage when it comes to producing some of the world’s top automotive and transport designers, so I hope all will come along to the Transport Museum for a glimpse into the future of car design.”
The MA Degree Show, entitled C-Futures, is free of charge and will be open to the public from Friday 26th November – Thursday 2nd December, 10am-5pm, and on Friday 3rd December, 10am-12pm.
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MSc Industrial Design Show 2010 at Coventry University
Postgraduate students at Coventry University’s world-renowned School of Art and Design will be showcasing their weird and wonderful ideas to the public on Thursday and Friday.
The 2010 MSc Industrial Design Show, “Eclectic”, features some of the best work from masters students studying courses in Industrial Product Design, Design and Ergonomics, and Transport Design.
Amongst this year’s ambitious creations is a futuristic mountain rescue snowmobile, a drinks bottle with a twist and a scuba diving aid for paraplegic divers based on the locomotion of a Manta ray.
Industrial Product Design master student Jinny Kim will be exhibiting his concept for a three-dimensional multiplayer toy for preschool children. Using a screen, children collaborate with one another to create a 3D map before selecting vehicle models such as cars, buses or trucks to drive along the roads on the map. In doing so the children are able to learn basic road laws such as traffic light signals.
Mr Kim said: “Toys are an indispensable part of children’s play. Those with a tangible user interface have great potential to teach children how to socialize and communicate with others from a very early age.”
Sarah Davies, Senior Lecturer in Ergonomics and Design Theory at Coventry University, said: “This year’s masters students on our design courses are a very talented bunch. The ideas they have developed and the research work they have carried out is exceptional, and I’m sure some of the concepts you’ll see exhibited at Eclectic will catch on. The show is a testament to the creative work that goes on here at the Coventry School of Art and Design.”
Eclectic will be open from 9am until 5pm this Thursday and Friday in the Maurice Foss building on Cox Street, city centre (parking is available in Grove Street). For more information visit www.coventry.ac.uk/mscid2010.
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Three years and expanding – success for local business
Three years ago, a Coventry-based company made its first tentative steps into the video production market and now, Pro-Mo Media are growing from strength to strength, having just expanded into their new premises in Coventry city centre and taking on new staff.
Pro-Mo Media was set up by three Coventry University graduates Brad Powell, Spencer James and Paul Kendall and to celebrate their third birthday they are offering a free high end promotional film worth over £2000 to a lucky individual or business.
Brad Powell said:
“We have come a long way in three years and have coped with one of the worst recessions. It has not been easy and we have learned a great deal along the way but the fact that we’re still here and now taking on a couple of Coventry University graduates is a sign that we’re obviously doing something right!
“The idea of running your own company, being your own boss and doing something you are passionate about is something many people dream of but few undertake.”
Three years ago, these three ambitious and motivated guys in their final months of their Media Production degree at Coventry University talked about the prospect of starting their own video production company, not realising at the time where and how far those ideas would take them.
After each were individually successful in winning a valuable business start-up grant from Coventry University they pooled their funds and entered into the big wide world of business, starting their company Pro-Mo Media.
After winning tenders for the first series of large filming contracts they began to progress and develop their portfolio, client base and professional experience and within the first year, while still hot-desking at a business park and working from a home production studio, they were producing work for clients including Rolls Royce, regional universities and city councils.
Their ability to produce quality film coupled with a friendly and professional relationship with their clients overshadowed the ‘new graduate’ image.
Spencer James takes up the story:
“Like all new businesses, we’ve faced difficult periods and when the recession set in we needed to up our game and offer much more than attractive marketing and promotional films. We had to find something that would see us through the lull.”
Pro-Mo Media started to produce a wide range of work, from music videos and documentaries right through to promotional films and live event coverage.
Spencer added:
“We have adapted and grown with the market needs and have endeavoured to make video production affordable for all budgets, it’s only the scale and depth of the film that changes with budget, never the quality.”
Brad Powell concluded:
“After the success we have had through this tricky time we wanted to share our good fortune by putting up for grabs one of our popular film packages in the hope that our product will greatly improve the winners marketing and image, contributing to their own growth.
“I hope other businesses that are starting out for the first time are encouraged by our story. We continue to develop a great deal within our industry and are more than happy to talk to anyone about the kind of work we do and how we can help.”
To enter for the for chance to win a free promotional film worth £2000, simply log on to Pro-Mo Media’s website at www.pro-mo.tv and enter on line.
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Local artist gets the public vote and wins national award
Award-winning artist and Coventry University graduate, Adam Hussain, has added another accolade to his growing collection after winning a national award for his work.
The public voted for Adam as one of their favourite artists of contemporary crafts on the Craft and Design website for the ‘Selected’ Awards 2010.
Adam’s new series of artworks entitled ‘A Fine Line’ won a silver award in the glass category for his handmade kiln-formed artworks.
Last month, Adam’s work was well-received at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate and on the strength of that, he has been selected as one of ten emerging designers in the UK and will be exhibiting his work in the Emerging Designers Pavilion over the May Bank Holiday at Blenheim Palace.
Adam, from Earlsdon, set up his company, Infini Glass while studying Contemporary Crafts at Coventry University.
He designs and creates bespoke glass art from concept to installation which gives his work a personal and handmade character. He graduated in 2008 and installed his first corporate installation at the Volvo Head offices in Warwick in 2009.
Adam said:
“I am delighted with this latest award and because it was a public vote, it means a great deal to me. The relationship between glass, light and space is a key element to my work as I push the glass to the limits to produce unusual effects. The processes are complex and can be a challenge to control at times but the unique results are often rewarding and I hope this is what the public like about my work.”
To find out more about Adam’s work, log on to www.infiniglass.co.uk
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State of Play football exhibitions will set the scene for this summer’s World Cup
The work of two members of staff and a photography graduate from Coventry University’s School of Art and Design (CSAD) is included in one of three new exhibitions being staged at The Public in West Bromwich.
The State of Play exhibitions are inspired by the theme of football and the ‘Score is silver, Art is gold’ exhibition features paintings, photographs and sculptures.
As well as using the work of an impressive range of artists, which includes Darryl Georgiou, Paul M Smith and photography graduate Jaskirt Dhaliwal, the Professional Football Association also has a selection of its own archive on display.
The exhibition coincides with the forthcoming FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa 2010.
Curator of the exhibition, Colin Yates says:
“The title ‘State of Play’ is used to suggest a snapshot of modern-day football, to highlight the varied themes of work undertaken by artists. The exhibition also incorporates a selection of artwork kindly loaned from The Professional Footballers Association.”
The display includes small, large-scale projects and key pieces of football artwork; the selection forms only a part of a much larger archive. The exhibiting artists have utilised a wide range of traditional, hybrid and contemporary process in the creation of their work.
Artist and staff member at Coventry University, Darryl Georgiou, has a piece of artwork featured in the exhibition called “Iron Rinus – an Unlikely Hero”.
The life-size football card will no doubt bring back memories for football-card-collecting fans of a certain age!
Darryl said:
“Rinus Israel was a Dutch international and Feyenoord defender who scored in the victorious 1970 European Cup final. He was known as Iron Rinus and was part of the Dutch team which were famous for its ‘total football’.
“Rinus was a spectacle-wearing captain and the rarest football card to be found in Wonderful World of Soccer Stars 1970-71”.
Paul Smtih, the photography course director at Coventry University, has a number of photographs in the exhibition. Paul is a former student of the university and a renowned artist in his own right having exhibited all over the world with an extensive portfolio. His work in multiple self-portraits has been used commercially as he created the cover for the Robbie William’s album "Sing when you’re winning" – which is one of the photographs on show.
Also featuring in the exhibition are photographs by Jaskirt Dhaliwal. While studying at Coventry University, Jaskirt specialised in photography as part of her degree course. She is now a much sought-after freelancer working with the BBC. She has already had several exhibitions of her work and during her final year of study won the national award from the Photo Imaging Council.
“State of Play” runs from Tuesday 18 May until Monday 12 July and takes place at The Public, New Street, West Bromwich. Entry is free to all exhibitions and opening times are Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm.
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Arts graduates secure place at prestigious summer show
Two local designers and graduates from the Coventry School of Art and Design have been awarded places at the Art and Design & Taste of Summer Show at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.
Gillian Royal from Wellesbourne and Adam Hussain from Earlson will be exhibiting their work in the Emerging Designer Pavilion over the May Bank Holiday weekend (29 – 31 May).
Some of the UK’s finest and contemporary artists and designers will be displaying original pieces of work including paintings, ceramics, furniture, jewellery, textiles, glass and much more.
Adam set up Infini Glass when he was still at Coventry University. He designs and creates bespoke glass art from concept to installation which gives his work a personal and handmade character. Adam uses warm glass processes to create stunning effects. He graduated 2008 and installed his first corporate installation at the Volvo Head offices in Warwick in 2009.
Gillian graduated from Coventry University in 2009. She specialises in felt pieces and has created a niche market as each vessel is unique.
Each piece is handcrafted using a traditional wet rolling technique and a range of luxury fibres. The felted vessels have a tactile quality that is hard to resist. She set up her own company “Pantoufles” to sell her creations.
Adam and Gillian are two of only ten emerging designers that have been selected to show their work at the Art and Design Show at Blenheim Palace. The show runs from 29 – 31 May.
To book tickets or for more information call 023 9286 3871 or visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk
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In Conversation with the Wonderbra Man
Trevor Beattie, the advertising guru behind Wonderbra and FCUK is coming to Coventry University on Friday 14 May for a conversation about the world of advertising.
Over the past two decades, Beattie, has been responsible for a string of extremely visible and talked about advertising campaigns. He achieved lasting notoriety in the 1990s via Eva Herzigova and Wonderbra’s “Hello Boys” poster campaign.
A life-long Labour supporter, he masterminded the ad campaigns for the Labour Party in both the 2001 and 2005 General Elections. Beattie’s stark re-launch of high street fashion chain French Connection UK as FCUK managed to even outshine Wonderbra in the PR stakes.
Beattie will discuss his rise as one of the country’s leading advertisers from his decade-long stint as Creative Director and Chairman of TBWA/London to setting up his own agency. He set up Beattie McGuinness Bungay (BMB) and now has Carling, IKEA, McCain and Selfridges on his client list.
Beattie will talk about his Birmingham roots and his commitment to the area which included an offer to evict the Wolverhampton councillors who threatened to remove a 106 year old woman from her retirement home!
As well as creating the PR and marketing campaign for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Space Tourism Programme, Beattie has booked hid place to become Adland’s first-ever fare-paying Space Traveller in 2011.
Organiser and founder of the Coventry Conversations, John Mair said:
“Trevor is a tour de force in the world of advertising and is one of the most innovative people working in the industry today. His attention to detail, eye for a great story as well as an original take on a product, makes people sit up and take notice and I am looking forward to find out what makes this ‘local-lad-made-good’ tick.
The Coventry Conversations have been running for over 4 years and have included such media giants as Jon Snow, Peter Bazalgette and Mark Thompson the director general of the BBC.
Trevor Beattie in conversation takes place on Friday 14 May at 1pm in Room ETG 34 of the Ellen Terry Building at Coventry University. Admission is free and open to all.
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Coventry sees national premiere of new music piece
A new musical production is to have its premiere in Coventry this month.
One Hundred Days Before the Night is an original composition by James Stant with narrative by writer, Richard Peach.
James, who is a masters student in Music Composition at Coventry University, said:
“This piece is intended to creative a unique aural experience by exploring the relationship between music and narrative.
“It has been extremely rewarding working with Richard Peach. His narrative is an original story about a global wave of insomnia.
“The production utilizes sound design featuring a combination of pre-recorded sound and live music which will be performed by a seven-piece ensemble.”
James, 22, is originally from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire and last year graduated from Coventry University with a First Class Honours degree in Music Composition and Professional Practice.
James added:
“I am really excited about this project and making excellent progress in the scoring and recording of the music. I will be putting some teaser extracts on my website soon. It has been great to work with so many talented people who have all come together to make this idea into a reality.”
One Hundred Days Before The Night premieres at the Herbert in The Studio on Wednesday 19 May at 3pm. Admission is £2.50 and £2.00 concessions.
To book tickets, email James at james@onehundreddaysbeforethenight.com or telephone 07908 311 620.
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BBC election director to give lowdown on the big night
Election fever is sweeping the country as we gear up to the local and national elections.
One man who will be in the hot seat on Thursday 6 May will be Rob Hopkin, the director of the on-screen action for the BBC’s General Election night programme. It is the ultimate challenge for any TV producer or director.
As well as twelve solid hours of non-stop action from around Britain, there will be results coming in fast and furious and stories galore.
It is technically one of the most complicated programmes undertaken by the BBC.
Rob will be coming to take part in a Coventry Conversation on Tuesday 11 May at 1pm.
Organiser of the Coventry Conversations, John Mair, said:
“Studio directors who can rise to this challenge are few and far between. Rob Hopkin has done three (1997, 2001 and 2005) and is gearing up for this fourth. Rob will be sharing some of his experiences and how he remains calm and measured under the great stress that is election night.”
John Mair is no stranger to TV directing himself and for the forthcoming General Election, he will be working for the BBC in Northern Ireland producing and directing their output.
John added:
“Rob is one of my heroes. He is a great director and we are privileged to be getting him so soon after one of the biggest nights in politics. It should be a learning experience for us all and hopefully he will come armed with plenty of anecdotes!”
The Coventry Conversation “That election on screen” takes place on Tuesday 11 May at 1pm in Room ETG 34 or the Ellen Terry Building at Coventry University. The talk is free and open to the general public.
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Invitation to art auction at the Herbert Art Gallery
Students and tutors from the Fine Art, Applied Arts and Fine Art Illustration departments would like to invite you to our charity art auction. We are all donating work ranging from paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints, jewellery, ceramics and much more. It’s going to be a fantastic evening and all money raised will go towards funding our degree shows.
It will take place in The Studio, at the Herbert Gallery and Museum on Thursday 4th March at 7pm with bidder registration commencing from 6pm.
The work will be exhibited at the venue for viewing on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd March during office hours.
To buy work, please register as a bidder, which you can do either when viewing the work on Tues or Wed, or from 6pm on the night of the auction. Alternatively you can pre-register and guarantee yourself a seat by emailing Lucy Baines at LB.CU.Press@hotmail.com with your name, address, telephone and email.
It promises to be an exiting evening and we really hope you can come and bid your way to a bargain!
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Literary treat in store with triple bill of writers
The award-winning writer and master of the screenplay, Andrew Davies, stars in the line-up of writers coming to Coventry University to take part in a series of Coventry Conversations.
Andrew Davies’ list of credits is impressive and he is widely acknowledged as the king of the literary adaptation on British TV.
His screenplays of Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch, Vanity Fair and Tipping the Velvet, to name but a few, have all been ratings winners.
Under the headline “How I Write” three local authors and Warwickshire-based Davies will be talking about their work and more importantly, how they do it.
Local writers Amanda Smyth and Mez Packer take part in a Coventry Conversation on Wednesday 17 February. Andrew Davies’ talk is on Thursday 18 February and Nick Walker ends the series on Friday 19 February.
Series organiser, John Mair, said:
“The three conversations all feature writers with a link to the area whose styles vary considerably. The conversations should be a fascinating insight into how creative minds work and a must for anyone interested in the written word.”
All the Coventry Conversations take place in Room ETG 34 of the Ellen Terry Building at 1pm.
Entry is free and open to all.
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Coventry Conversations – graduates that made the grade
Coventry University welcomes back two former students next week for a couple of Coventry Conversations.
On Thursday 4 February, Dhiren Katwa is to talk about his views on the diversity of the British Media. Dhiren graduated in 1999 and he is now the senior news editor on the Asian Voice newspaper.
On Friday 5 February, local radio personality, Mark Powlett, will be fitting in a Coventry Conversation before hot-footing it back to the studios for his afternoon show.
Mark used to be the voice of the early morning breakfast on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire but now hosts the popular afternoon show.
Both talks take place in Room ETG 34, Ellen Terry Building (former Odeon cinema) Coventry University.
Dhiren Katwa’s talk on Thursday 4 February is at 1pm
Mark Powlett’s talk on Friday 5 February is at 12pm
Both are free events and open to the public.
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Haiti Benefit Gig - 'Raising voices for Haiti relief'
A musical event has been organised by CSAD to raise money for the Haiti Appeal, 
find out more.
The event is open to all.
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Britain’s Next Top Motoring Journalist?
Coventry University Automotive Journalism Masters student Mark Rainford is one of ten finalists in a competition to find the next top motoring journalist.
The competition, Write Into Gear, saw 1000 entrants whittled down to just ten who were taken to Shell’s refinery in Cheshire to learn about how Shell V-Power is made and about Shell’s relationship with the Ferrari F1 team. The ten finalists were then asked to write a 300 word article about their trip and what they learned about Shell V-Power.
The articles have been passed to a public vote and the top five in the vote will be sent to the panel of judges who will select three finalists to visit the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. The winner of the final challenge will win a three month paid internship at Auto Express magazine.
Mark said:
“I am delighted that I have made it into the final ten of this competition. Being a motoring journalist has always been my dream and if I can win the competition I will achieve my ambition and gain vital experience in the industry. I hope that any success I achieve will reflect well on Coventry University who have provided me with an excellent course.”
You can show your support for Mark by clicking on the maximum five stars. The deadline for voting is 17 January 2010.
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New scholarship to reward outstanding wordsmiths
Coventry University is to introduce two scholarships next year for students studying journalism.
The Ernest Petrie Journalism Scholarship 2010 is worth £1,500 and the awards will be made in February to two outstanding students on the basis of academic performance coupled with a ‘demonstrable engagement with the practice of journalism.’
Ernest Petrie is a former newspaper executive whose association with local and regional newspapers has prompted the scholarship awards to encourage journalists of the future.
Dr Shaun Hides, Head of Media and Communication at Coventry University, said:
“The support Ernest Petrie has given to the teaching of journalism at Coventry University is extremely generous. The scholarships will undoubtedly support the development of those students it is awarded to and encourage them to play a part in helping to shape the future of journalism, media and communication.
“Our joint Journalism and English and Journalism and Media degrees offer students a combined theoretical and practical approach to today’s multi-media environment and so scholarships like this help enormously to attract young, talented student journalists to the University.”
For students to be eligible for the scholarship, they must submit a portfolio of at least six pieces which demonstrate their continued and recent work within the field of journalism.
The pieces submitted for the Ernest Petrie Journalism Scholarship 2010 may be on any subject and in any medium.
Ernest Petrie is a serving Pro Chancellor at Coventry University.
The office of Pro-Chancellor is a non-constitutional role, and empowers the post holders to act in the absence of the Chancellor and undertake tasks in his name.
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Art Liberating Lives
Coventry University student Marta Kochanek has been chosen as one of few to display her photography at annual exhibition, Art Liberating Lives in London next week.
Art Liberating Lives celebrates art as a form of therapy and sees supporting artists submit to be part of an annual exhibition at London's prestigious Mall Galleries.
This uplifting and exciting mix of over 200 "liberating" artworks produced by people receiving care from Sue Ryder Care and supporting artists from across the UK has been carefully selected by a panel of leaders in the art world, resulting in a unique, thought-provoking collection.
Two pieces of Marta’s work entitled Liberation and Baba were selected to be part of the collection alongside works produced by people living with conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, stroke and Parkinson's disease, selected works from the Sue Ryder Care prisoner engagement scheme, and works by well established British painters such as Maggi Hambling and Ken Howard RA.
Marta commented:
“I was pretty surprised when I was told I’d been shortlisted but I was hoping that one day my works would cross the doorsteps of the capital’s galleries so I’m very pleased. It was definitely worth the hard work in the end and I’m proud that I can be a part of such a worthy cause.”
From 16 – 20 December, Marta’s work will be on display as part of Sue Ryder Care’s Art Liberating Lives exhibition at the Mall Galleries. The exhibition is open from 10am-5pm with late night opening until 8pm on Thursday.
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Lights, camera, action – you’re on the air!
Budding TV broadcast journalists at Coventry University are going to be put through their paces next week as the University gears up for a day of news.
CU Today News is a half hour news programme which will be put together by students studying for degrees in Journalism and Media, Journalism and English, English Language and Journalistic Studies and Media Production.
TV broadcast journalist, Yvonne Gaskill (former Central TV news presenter) has been working with the students to help put news packages together and teach them the tricks of the trade.
On Tuesday 8 December in the studios based in the Ellen Terry Building, they will be going it alone to produce, research and present the half hour news show.
Associate lecturer in Broadcast Journalism, Shelly Stevenson, who has organised the day, said:
“This will be an excellent way for the students to really get to grips with what life in a TV newsroom is like. We will be starting at 9am for auditions to find the news anchors, sports and weather presenters and then the students will go about sourcing stories, recording news packages and putting everything together for the “broadcast” at 4pm.”
Coventry University has some of the best equipment available for students to use which includes a whole TV production suite, a TV studio, ISDN and radio studio facilities.
The students will be given assignments at the start of the day, handle any breaking news stories, film and prepare news packages and do pieces to camera.
Shelly added:
“We are trying to make it as realistic as possible to give them the feel of how a busy newsroom operates. It is important for anyone wishing to work in the industry to have the most up-to-date skills as it is a very competitive environment.”
Even the music for the TV news show will be original. It has been written by the University’s media technician, Paul Atkins. He supports the radio and music technology courses and is a musician in his own right. His original composition is going to be used for the first time on Tuesday.
Shelly Stevenson concluded:
“As this is the first programme of its kind that we have done, there will be some teething problems but I am sure it will all turn out fine.
“It is going to be very exciting for everyone concerned and over the next few days, would-be news anchors, reporters, weather and sports presenters will be practising like mad in the hope of landing one of the top jobs!”
For anyone wanting to know how the students got on, the programme will be recorded and put onto CUTV (Coventry University TV channel on You Tube) for everyone to see.
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Coventry fashion student chosen to be a style ambassador
A second-year fashion student at Coventry University has been given the job as a style ambassador to promote the Clothes Show Live event at the NEC in Birmingham (December 4 – 9).
Emilia Ivanova, who is from Bulgaria, was one of thousands of young people from all over the UK that applied to become style ambassadors. She recently found out that she had been successful and now she and a group of her friends will be officially promoting the show and getting to meet all the celebrities.
Emilia, 20, said:
“I entered the competition on the Clothes Show website. The theme was Christmas and in particular, outfit styling for this time of year. I had to send in two photographs, one of my favourite winter outerwear clothing and one of my all time favourite Christmas outfits.”
Emilia enlisted the help of a couple of friends to be in her “styling team” and for the past few weeks have been doing promotions on the run-up to the show and during the event itself at the NEC.
Emilia added:
“I just adore clothes and so being involved in such a wonderful event like the Clothes Show is just like a dream come true. I have certainly had a lot of fun just being a small part of it and am looking forward to going to the show and picking up lots of fashion tips!”
Also taking part at the Clothes Show Live this year is second year Coventry University fashion student, Melissa Forman. She is in the final of the Design Awards competition.
The fashion course already has a good history of producing competition finalists; Geri Hutyan in 2007 and Cassie Judd in 2008. Geri Hutyan is currently on a placement at Escada in Germany.
The main prize is £2000 but there is also the opportunity for a week’s work experience with a fashion designer as well as the chance to see their designs come to life on the catwalk.
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Student creations herald the future of car design
Coventry School of Art and Design MA Automotive Design MA Vehicle Interiors Show 2009
Students from the Coventry University MA Automotive Design and MA Vehicle Interiors courses are preparing for their annual degree show exhibition, to be held at the Coventry Transport Museum from 27 November.
This year’s show is called “Keep Movin’’
Projects will be presented as scale models, digital animations and illustrations.
The Coventry Masters programme - now in its seventeenth year - is a fifteen-month course with emphasis on advanced automotive concepts.
Exhibiting this year are 7 MA Automotive Design and 1 MA Vehicle Interior students.
The course has a strong international presence which ensures a diverse cultural mix and this is reflected in the various projects.
Admission to the show is free and runs from Friday 27 November to Friday 4 December (10am to 5pm daily except 4 December which is 10am – 12noon).
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Coventry University fashion student makes it a hat trick to national finals
For the third year running, a fashion student from Coventry University has been selected as a finalist in the Clothes Show Young Designer of the Year Competition.
Melissa Foreman, a stage 2 fashion student, has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 show which takes place in December at the NEC in Birmingham.
A number of fashion students at Coventry University took part in the competition, the ultimate prize being the opportunity to see their designs on the catwalk of the Clothes Show Live.
Students had to design a Christmas party dress for a celebrity of their choice before sketching out the initial designs, choosing the fabrics as well as a 200 word justification of their choices.
The fashion course at Coventry University has gone from strength to strength since it started just over four years ago and taking part in competitions like this is helps to keep the students involved and enthusiastic.
Ann Muirhead, Course Director of the Fashion and Accessories degree course at Coventry University said:
“We are delighted that yet again, one of our students has made it to the finals of this national competition. The Clothes Show Live is the place to have your designs noticed and creating designs for the competition gives the students the opportunity to see what working to tight deadlines is like while at the same time being extremely creative.”
The fashion course already has a good history of producing competition finalists; Geri Hutyan in 2007, who was in his first year at the time and Cassie Judd in 2008. Geri Hutyan is currently on placement at Escada in Germany and recent graduates have gone forward in to successful roles in the industry.
The main prize is £2000 but there is also the opportunity for a week’s work experience with a fashion designer as well as the chance to see their designs come to life on the catwalk.
Ann added:
“Our students work with some of the best facilities in the country including superb machinery and highly qualified technical support. The students are encouraged to use cutting edge technology to push the boundaries in fashion design.”
The Clothes Show Live takes place at the NEC in Birmingham 4 – 9 December
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University to show contemporary films from the cinemas of East Asia
Lovers of South East Asian film are now able to see some of the best films ever to come out of the region, courtesy of Coventry University!
The Coventry University South East Asian Film Society (CUEAFS) will be screening movies from the South East Asian region under the banner ‘Coventry Close Encounters’.
With the independent distribution scene in North America and Europe struggling in the current economic climate, the distribution of even major East Asian movies is often delayed or fails to materialise altogether so access to the wide range of East Asian films is limited.
In light of this, CUEAFS has selected a programme with a focus on contemporary South East Asian films that are currently unreleased and unavailable in the UK.
Films are screened on a weekly basis in the Ellen Terry Building on Wednesdays at 2pm. The screenings will also provide a forum for critical discussion and debate on East Asian Film.
Screenings are free and everyone is welcome.
The next screening is on Wednesday 4 November in the ground floor lecture theatre of the Ellen Terry Building (ETG 34) at 2pm.
It is a double bill exclusive screening of JU-ON: SHIROI ROJO (2009 JAPAN) & JU-ON: KUROI SHOJO (2009 JAPAN) produced by JU-ON (The Grudge) creator and director Takashi Shimizu.
Spencer Murphy from the Coventry School of Art and Design at Coventry University who came up with the idea, said:
“This is a coup for Coventry. A majority of these films do not even get to see the light of day in this country so for us to be able to get them and screen them is like a dream come true for many of our South East Asian students as it truly gives them a taste of home and at the same time, exposes us to the very best South East Asian films.”
For more information and the line-up of films being screened visit the website.
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That Faraway Look on Display in Coventry
Robert Casselton Clark’s latest work is going on display in the Lanchester Gallery at Coventry University at the end of this month.
Casselton Clark is an internationally exhibited artist based in the UK and his latest installation of over 100 photo-artworks is going on display for three weeks at the end of this month.
The sequencing of what the artist has called ‘photographs of almost darkness’, builds up a cryptic narrative of nocturnal glimpses. Like a series of fragmented film noir stills, the images evoke an atmosphere of uncertainty, dread and yearning.
Talking about his latest work, Casselton Clark commented:
“It is no way a race against time, nor an impossible dream of ever arresting it, so much as the very real possibility of - from time to time - transfixing the rhythm of its passing.”
That Faraway Look is on display from 30 October to 19 November between 10am and 5pm. There is also an open evening on 29 October 6-8.30pm.
For further information or to book your place at the open evening, contact Claire Williams on 024 7688 7660 or at Claire.Williams@coventry.ac.uk
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Jon Snow - The Best and Worst of Times: Journalism in the 21st Century
In this cathedral lecture Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow talks about 'The Best and Worst of Times: Who Would be a Journalist in the Second Decade of the 21st Century?'
In his first lecture as Visiting Professor at Coventry University, Jon discusses the many changes and challenges that have taken place in news journalism over his illustrious career in the British media.
As a new visiting professor he will come to the University at least once a year to share his knowledge with students and staff.
Watch the video on our University Youtube channel CUTV.
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Second award for Coventry University lecturer
John Lister, who lectures in Health Journalism at Coventry University, has just been awarded his second professional award in six months, landing second prize in the prestigious Guild of Health Writers 2009 awards in London last night.
John was one of five journalists shortlisted for Best Online Feature in a contest which was open to all health journalists and attracted a record 300 entries for the six categories. His feature article “The Beginning of the End” was the first of a series of three published by the Morning Star newspaper in March, throwing the spotlight on to controversial new policies in the National Health Service that even now have still not been widely covered by other newspapers.
Presenting John with the runner-up award of a certificate and a cheque for £300 at a champaign reception, the Guild’s new President, Dr Michael Dixon of the NHS Alliance, praised the article’s clear explanation of complex issues for a general readership.
This prize follows on John’s success six months ago for the other main professional organisation of health journalists, the Medical Journalists Association, where his book ‘The NHS After 60: for patients or profits?” won the Tony Thistlethwaite award.
Delighted at this success, Dr Lister said last night:
“I have been a heath journalist for 25 years, but only this year have I entered for any awards – and won a prize in two out of two! It means a lot to have my professional peers say that I have succeeded in making complex issues readable and understandable to a wide audience.
“This Guild’s award is also very special, because so many of the other contenders were offering much less controversial medical and human interest stories written in very lively and engaging style, and I was not sure that against that competition I could win the judges to give an award to a very political piece.
“I hope this success will help focus more attention on these policies which are taking shape without proper public scrutiny or debate. The role of a health journalist is to inform, enlighten but also sometimes to alert their audience to issues which may affect them, and which otherwise might be missed.”
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Coventry School of Art and Design Kunstverein presents 'Braunem Papier Kunstwerk'
Coventry School of Art and Design Fine Art graduate Deborah Hall is one of the first artists to display their work in the Kunstverein donated by internationally renowned, contemporary artist ‘Bob & Roberta Smith’.
Coventry School of Art and Design were delighted to be offered one of these spaces and intend to use it as a project and exhibition space to show work by students, staff and invited artists. As an external space, with its own very particular characteristics it offers a quirky and interesting alternative to a conventional ‘gallery’ type space.
Deborah's work will be on display in the Kunstverein from 15th October - 12th November 2009. You can find out more about the exhibition, the artist and the Kunstverein on the Kunstverein site.
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Students charge ahead with fundraising for show
A group of enterprising graphic design students at Coventry University have steered away from the usual cake sales to raise funds for their 2010 degree show and have instead organised a series of talks given by professionals from the industry.
There will be an admission charge for each talk which will take place monthly on the run up to the degree show next year.
Final year student Steph Webb, who is studying for a graphic design degree, set up the group called ‘CHARGE’ to organise the talks. She said:
“We wanted to do something that we could gain experience from and benefit other students, as well as raising money for our degree show. This is our second year of talks and this time we hope to reach out to a wider audience and have invited guest speakers from the areas of fashion and illustration.”
The talks are also open to members of the public.
The first talk of the series is on Thursday 15 October at 5.30pm and will be given by “Jelly”, a company that represents creative individuals such as artists, graphic designers, illustrators and animators. They will be talking about their role in the creative industry and how they get work for their clients.
The talks will be held monthly in the Graham Sutherland Building (corner of Cox Street) and tickets are available through the CHARGE website or on the night on the door.
Ticket prices range from £2 - £4 if bought in advance but there will be an extra charge of £1 if bought on the night.
For more information about the rest of the series of talks, visit the CHARGE website.
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University Lecturer Wins Peace Award for Documentary
Ken Fero, Associate Lecturer in Media Production at Coventry University, has won a major award for his new 27 minute film ‘Postcode Wars’.
The ‘London Peace Award’ was presented to Ken on 23 September at the London Week of Peace Awards held at Chancery Court, London.
The film, ‘Postcode Wars’ deals with street violence and London’s notorious postcode related gang wars. Working as producer with a group of school students Ken, and his co-producer Souleyman Garcia, spent over a year teaching youths filmmaking skills whilst they made the film.
The students, from Parkview Academy in Haringey, North London, made the film about their life on the streets, the violence that surrounds them and what they believe the solutions are to end the devastating problem of knife and gun crime in inner city areas. Those who have seen it say the film is powerful, shocking, painful and insightful.
‘Postcode Wars’ grew out of Fero’s previous work with youths on a photographic project around black history and pride. Multi-platform funding, including the City Bridge Trust, made this long term project possible.
Ken Fero said:
“Our objective when we started this project was to get young people to pick up a camera instead of a gun. The film they have produced is a testament to their courage and determination to make a difference.”
One of the students involved, Bintu Murad, 15 years old, said:
“We made the film about all the Postcode War violence to show people what goes on in our society, what’s happening, why it’s happening and how it can stop.”
The London Peace Awards are annual awards given to recognise outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations to promote peace in London. The public are encouraged to nominate their peace champions within their communities.
Email contact: ken.fero@coventry.ac.uk or blackarchive@mac.com
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Coventry’s prodigal son to do another Coventry Conversation
He was the Motor Mouth of Talk Sport Radio, known for his ranting and raving. Now, he is the Motor Mouth of the Sun radio and he is coming back to Coventry to tell us all about it.
You name it; Jon Gaunt has an opinion on it. He is Britain’s best known ‘shock-jock’ and he’s coming back to his native Coventry for a Coventry Conversation entitled “my new life in the sun, radio”.
‘Gaunty’ is the voice of Middle England; not surprising for a man born and bred in Coventry. His career has had its ups and downs. He initially set up a radical theatre company and has worked in and ‘left’ three BBC local radio stations. He is also the proud owner of three radio industry Sony Awards.
John Mair originator of the Conversations and events co-ordinator for Coventry School of Art and Design said:
“I am delighted that Gaunty has agreed to come back for a second Conversation. We may not always agree with what he says, or how he says it, but Gaunty is rarely dull. The last Coventry Conversation he did, in the eye of his Talk Sport storm, was packed out. The video of that is on the Coventry University TV site and has attracted 7000 hits and counting. Gaunty coming home to do a Coventry Conversation promises to be memorable.”
Please note the time of this talk, which is free and open to the public. It is at 5pm in Room ETG 34, Ellen Terry Building on Friday 2 October.
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Photography graduate to stage exhibition
A photography graduate from Coventry University has been invited to exhibit his work at a gallery in Berkshire.
Matt Johnston is a freelance documentary photographer working both in the UK and the USA. He received a first class honours in 2008 having studied under two internationally renowned photographers Jonathan Shaw and Jonathan Worth – both lecturers at the University.
Since graduating, Matt has taken on various large scale documentary projects including one in New York
Matt’s exhibition takes place at the Rhubarb and Custard Gallery, Eton, Berkshire from 1 – 31 October and features work from one of his other projects based in West Texas.
The exhibition looks at how the “American Dream” has influenced the genres of film and photography and it is a subject that Matt is particularly interested in having written extensively on the subject.
His previous exhibitions include the Drummond Street Gallery and the Phoenix Media Festival (where he won won 'best photographer 2008). More recently Matt was chosen to document the ex-residents from a 1970's commune for a Channel 4 programme.
Matt worked with medium and large format cameras on both print and slide film for all of the images that are used in the exhibition. He said:
“Working in this format helps to slow me down and think more about what I am trying to portray with the image. It also means that I rarely take more than one shot of a subject so it feels to me like a more realistic moment has been captured.”
The exhibition runs from 1 - 31 October at the Rhubarb and Custard Gallery at 4, High Street, Eton, Berkshire and is open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 4.30pm.
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Student Scoops top award at one of the world's biggest automotive shows
Phil Woodman, Coventry University graduate won the 'Best Conceptual Interior' category at the Interior Motives Student Design Awards in Frankfurt this week. He also won the overall award of 'Student Designer of the Year' and £5,000.
These Awards showcase the finest design innovations by students from a broad range of disciplines, and present the very best of their work to the global automotive design community, which was gathering for the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Phil Commented on his feelings about being awarded such a high accolade:
"It's a great feeling for a designer to be acknowledged for the dedication they put into their work, so I am delighted to have gained such a prestigious award. In an international competition it shows that Britain is still at the forefront of design and Coventry is a major part of that success."
In addition, Coventry University students were recognised in all 7 categories beating competition from several hundred other entries from Universities across the globe. Nick Hull, Senior Lecturer in Transport Design at Coventry University commented on the success:
"We at the University are very pleased with this result. Students have been entering this particular show for 5 years now and we've been shortlisted a few times but this is the first time we've won overall and we're really proud of Phil's work."
Phil, who is currently working at Umbro, designing footwear, also completed a year's placement at Reebok in the USA in 2007 as part of his degree course and as a result, three of his trainer designs were put into production.
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Coventry Graduate at World Famous Monaco Yacht Show
Coventry University graduate Alastair Callender has been chosen to display his award winning Superyacht design, Soliloquy, at the world’s most famous Yacht Show in Monaco next week.
Alastair’s scaled model of the design, constructed with support from Coventry Based firm Visioneering Ltd., will be in pride of place in the exhibition area of Luerssen Yachts.
Alastair created this opportunity for himself after making a contact at Luerssen Yachts back in June. He explains:
“I met the firm when presenting a speech in Mallorca in June, at the 4th Annual Future of Superyachts conference. I contacted them when I got back to the UK and they have kindly agreed to give me this most incredible opportunity of a lifetime.”
Soliloquy, the Super-Green Superyacht, aims to prove to the world that eco-luxury no longer has to be viewed as an oxymoron.
Soliloquy is a pioneering, State-of-the-art, 58m rigid-wing, Motor-sailor which is an innovative, architecturally dynamic superyacht, with zero-emission capability, low levels of noise and minimal vibrations as it is propelled by Wind, Solar and Hybrid Marine Power.
Alastair explains his inspiration for the project:
“I was initially inspired by reading the work of the late Sir Peter Blake's environmental research. I also looked into the zero emissions Masdar City and Ghantoot Green City projects in Abu Dhabi. This lead me on further to being inspired by the dynamic architectural form of the Rotating Tower development in Dubai with its ever-changing shape.
“These inspirations directly influenced my eco-luxurious and zero-emission superyacht conceived at 58 metres length, using the fantastic state-of-the-art technology of Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd, Australia.”
He also comments on how it feels to be involved in such a well known show:
“The Monaco Yacht Show is the biggest opportunity of my life to-date. To have my work on display at this - the most prestigious event in the superyacht industry's calendar is a dream come true!
“I will be there in the hope to inspire a potential future owner to invest in this - the most revolutionary and radical of superyachts: safe in the knowledge that this Super-Green Superyacht will result in a minimal carbon footprint.”
Alastair’s design will be on display in the exhibition area of Luerssen Yachts on 23 – 26 September 2009.
To find out more about Alastair’s design visit www.callenderdesigns.co.uk or email him at alastair@callenderdesigns.co.uk
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Motoring Journalist of the year at Coventry University
Steve Cropley, editor-in-chief of Autocar magazine and 2009s motoring journalist of the year, is heading to Coventry to take part in a Conversation.
The first Headlineauto Awards asked the automotive press and industry to choose their favourite journalists in a nomination process that gave the most weight to votes from rival publishing houses.
Cropley helped Autocar’s team of writers to a total of four top gongs, two of which came after tight contests with sister title What Car?
A judging panel drawn from the motoring medias leading lights gave Cropley a perfect score to win Features Writer of the Year. They then made him Journalist of the Year from a field of high-powered contenders including Ken Gibson, motoring editor for the Sun newspaper, and Tom Ford, the host of Channel Five’s Fifth Gear show.
Cropley, who joined Haymarket in 1991, has helped many others to success in his profession, particularly through his efforts to create the Postgraduate Degree in Auto Journalism at Coventry University and his teaching in the course as a visiting professor.
John Mair, inventor of the conversations said:
“Steve is a great addition to the team here at Coventry University and I’m delighted that he has agreed to take part in this series of Conversations. Steve will talk about his extensive experience in the world of Auto journalism.”
This conversation will take place in ETG34 of the Ellen Terry Building, Jordan Well, at 1pm on 1 October and is free and open to all.
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