From autumn 2003 to summer 2006 I led four action research projects at Plymouth College of Art and Design to improve the learning experience and level of attainment of BME students, and to promote cultural diversity and establish partnerships with BME organisations in the city. The projects were known by the umbrella title of Unity and funded by Ethnic Minority Student Achievement Grant (EMSAG) awards from The Learning and Skills Council. As well as programmes of college-wide activities, Unity initiatives included:
* a residency by Punjabi-British artist Chila Kumari Burman
* the recording and release of Beyond Words, a hip hop/rap album by Jibi/The Loane Ranger
* a collaborative event with the University of Plymouth Student Union (UPSU) promoting progression to Higher Education to BME teenagers, held in Sherwell Church during Fair Trade Week
* D-Day, a day celebrating multiculturalism, with a 40 foot-long graffiti wall, film screenings, non-stop music and jewellery-making workshops
D-day from Sundog Media on Vimeo.
Four students created the graffiti wall, each designed and painted a word to represent Unity: ONE / LIFE / LOVE / FAITH.
Kate Sparshatt was appointed External Evaluator for the final year of the project, 2005 to 2006. She prepared her report in June 2006 for The Learning and Skills Council, which had supported Unity through awarding Ethnic Minority Student Achievement Grant (EMSAG) funding: read Kate’s report
I created a microsite for Unity with Stuart Moore of Sundog Media in September 2006: the site formed a legacy of the project online, and was hosted by Plymouth College of Art until summer 2010. The Unity site will be republished online, hosted by Sundog Media.