It has been an absolutely tremendous year, full of creativity, innovation and inspiration. The Summer Show was the perfect way to celebrate.
A heartfelt thank you to all 74 Saturday Clubs, the 56 universities, colleges and cultural institutions who host the Clubs, the 250 tutors and 150 student assistants, and the 150 Masterclass givers who supported the programme this year. The National Saturday Club would not be possible without your commitment, energy and dedication.
The Summer Show exhibition and the events that took place throughout the week were full of incredible moments, celebrating the talent, ideas, and potential of young people nationwide. Read on for our highlights...
1. The incredible work on display at Somerset House
“We were blown away by all the talent on show!”
Club tutor, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dioramas, Animations, Cyanotypes, Tapestries, Paintings, Sketches, Sculpture, Ceramics, Radio Shows, Totems, Poetry, Architectural Models, Ponchos, Photographs, Scripts, Matchbox Shrines, Posters and Placards, Ghost Signs, Photography, and Time Capsules… are just a snapshot of the vast array of work created by Club members that was on show at the Summer Show.
The Summer Show exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, Imagination, Pelekinesis, Studio Quercus, and You See Media. Thank you!
2. Celebrating the Club member Graduation Ceremonies
“You have all achieved something extraordinary. Don’t ever underestimated the experiences you’ve gained since this time last year. No one can take that away from you.”
Deirdre McDermott, Picture Book Editor, Walker Books
The Graduation Ceremonies, generously hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, were a fantastic celebration of all that the Club members have accomplished this year at their Saturday Clubs. A special thank you to guest speakers Neal Shasore, Sir Nigel Carrington, Deborah Latouche, Leigh Adams, Deirdre McDermott, Sir John Sorrell and Lady Sorrell.
3. Welcoming everyone to the Private View
“I want to thank those who have dedicated their energy and their heart to creating an environment for these young artists to speak to me, and to speak to us, to speak to their peers and their neighbours, and who knows from there they may speak to the nation and speak to the world.”
Kwame Kewi-Armah, Artistic Director, Young Vic Theatre
Thank you to all who braved the tube strike to join us for the Private View of the Summer Show. It was a wonderful evening which brought together the National Saturday Club’s broad network across further education, higher education, the cultural sector, industry, government and policy-makers.
We are so grateful for the support of our incredible partners and supporters and were delighted to celebrate the 2021-22 National Saturday Club year with you all.
4. Reading your hopes for the future on the Society&Change Wishing Tree
“I hope that in the future EVERY voice will be heard.”
Club member
The ‘Wishing Tree’ featured as part of the showcase of the new Society&Change Saturday Club. Positioned alongside a word-art drawing for the people of Ukraine created in a Masterclass with Barnaby Barford, and a peace flag created in a Masterclass with Ella Doran, the ‘Wishing Tree’ was added to by visitors to the exhibition who responded to questions such as ‘What are your hopes for the future?’ and ‘Who or what inspires you?’ The responses were heartwarming, inspiring and thought-provoking:
‘It’s never too late to pursue what you love.’
‘To be someone I’m happy to be.’
‘I would like to show my art to the world.’
‘The animals of this world inspire me.’
‘My super dad Stephen and my mum, Maureen.’
‘To write more books and tell stories that light up the world.’
The Society&Change Saturday Club provides an opportunity to explore the trends and developments that are shaping the world today and into the future. From climate change and conflict to new technologies and taking action, at the Club young people discover how these major topics affect us and how they have a voice to influence them.
Thank you to our partners at Chatham House and Jim and Caroline O’Neill for their generous support of the Society&Change programme.
5. Watching the films created at the Film&Media Saturday Clubs
“The screen industries are for everyone, yes that means you! Taking part in a National Saturday Club film programme is the perfect way to take your first step into an industry that is growing faster than any other in the UK.”
Leigh Adams, BFI’s Director Education and Learning
The Film&Media Saturday Club celebrates and explores the breadth of film, media and screen from production and sound design, to VFX and animation. At the Summer Show it was great to see the films created by this year’s members, and to see how the Clubs have introduced the burgeoning opportunities across this growing sector of the UK economy.
The Film&Media Saturday Club is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) through the DCMS Youth Accelerator Fund and National Lottery funding.
6. Publishing this year’s edition of The POST
This year’s Club member publication featured Club member interviews, industry insights, an article by Writing&Talking Club members from London Metropolitan University, a massive self-portraits poster, highlights from the year, and much more. A big thank you to the designers at Pentagram!
7. Exploring the Online Summer Show
If you missed the Summer Show exhibition at Somerset House you can still visit the Online Summer Show! The virtual galleries feature Club members’ work, behind the scenes insights, Masterclasses, Self-Portraits, and more. Click to explore
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who made the Summer Show possible!
Thank you to our sponsors, funders and partners for enabling another fantastic National Saturday Club year: Arts Council England, National Lottery, Department for Education, British Fashion Council, British Film Institute, Chatham House, and Pentland Brands.