The history of off-site exhibitions in Cambridge by Anglia Ruskin Fine Art students is rich and varied, with both regular site-specific exhibitions at venues such as the Institute of Astronomy or the Botanical Gardens, taking place alongside the various projects that have run in conjunction with Changing Spaces venues and the Shop on Jesus Lane, as well as the Leper Chapel, Clare College and Clare Hall.

This year's Site Specific exhibition at the Institute of Astronomy (private view on Wednesday 15 May) will follow on from a history of 30 years' collaboration with this institution, since the first art installation in 1982. These exhibitions were initially organised by Richard Sword and then carried on by Douglas Jeal as part of the BA Fine Art course. The Site Specific module presents a context to which Year 2 students can respond, engaging with the scientific research undertaken by the institute and using it as a starting point to develop their artwork.

The art produced is hugely varied, and has taken the form of sculpture, mixed-media installation, photography, sound-based artworks, as well as performance and video. The module provides students with a great opportunity to explore an important area of Fine Art practice that works in relation to a strong science-based brief for the development of art. It also considers the public context for making art, and with this the opportunities for artists who develop careers by working with clients and in public art settings.

Astronomer Carolin Crawford helps to introduce the project with a talk on research at the institute, and the extraordinary history of astronomical study in Cambridge, which dates back to 1823.

Fine Art lecturer Rosanna Greaves said: "The Site Specific module allows the students to think outside the context of the studio and traditional gallery space. Working in partnership with the Institute of Astronomy provides a fantastic opportunity for them to respond in multifaceted ways to this a very particular setting, considering the context of the site and the audience at the developmental stage of the work. Having the public exhibition integrated into the course creates a very real challenge at this second year stage and is reflected in the enthusiasm and ambitious nature of many of the works".

Anglia Ruskin University is very glad to have been able to collaborate with the Institute of Astronomy, and hope this partnership will continue to flourish in years to come.


Benet Spencer
Course Leader, Fine Art

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