Artistic aspirations

The University has appointed architect Celine Condorelli and artist-curator Gavin Wade as artists in residence for the 40th anniversary year. Their work will involve gathering information throughout the autumn term via a series of walks around the campus with people who have a story to tell about the University’s past.

Their inspiration for the project came from the 1963 Reith Lectures that Sir Albert Sloman gave on the design and plans for the new University of Essex: ‘Time and again, in these last twelve months of planning, I have walked over the park with the architect [Kenneth Capon].'

These words struck a chord with the artists so they decided to trace the history of the University through a series of walks and talks around Wivenhoe Park, researching and recording the University in the same way that it was originally conceived. Their residency will culminate in a six-week exhibition in the campus Gallery in March 2005.

In order to carry out the project the artists need the input of people connected to the University in some way who have memories to share. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch. Send your proposed walk and talk (outlining briefly where and why) to: The University Gallery, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ or e-mail Clare Birks ccbirks@essex.ac.uk

As a lasting 40th anniversary memento, the University has also commissioned a sculpture by Peruvian artist Armando Varela entitled Tú y Yo (You and Me). This was only possible thanks to the generosity of the artist in giving his time to the project without charge. The sculpture, located at University Quays, forms part of the University’s Collection of Latin American art, and will be unveiled on 12 October, 2004.

The event will also include the launch of the University sculpture trail – a route taking in all the sculptures on the Wivenhoe Park campus. There will be a guided tour of the trail on the day, which will then be open for the rest of the year (and a trail map provided) so members of the University or the public can undertake all or part of the tour. Maps will be available from the University Gallery.

The University's 40th anniversary year starts in October 2004 and as part of the celebrations, there will be a year-long programme of events.

During the autumn term there will be a number of public lectures with subjects ranging from the Big Bang and digital technology, to the first in a new series of Town and Gown Lectures reflecting 40 years of change for the University and the town.

There will be a variety of visual and performing arts events throughout the year, including a Christmas show for children performed by east 15 Acting School in the Lakeside Theatre, and two concerts by the University of Essex Choir.

For further information on all 40th Anniversary events, please visit our website at www.essex.ac.uk/40years. For details of all other University events see www.essex.ac.uk/wyvern/events.