Latest News
From graduation to making: Lisa McEleny on joining Workroom Create
Friday, 28 November, 2025 — Discover how Arts University Plymouth alumna Lisa McEleny is developing her creative practice through Workroom Create’s specialist facilities and alumni community.
Arts University Plymouth’s new alumni membership scheme, Workroom Create, has now been running for several months, giving Arts University Plymouth alumni affordable access to the University’s specialist studios and workshops. Designed for graduates who want to continue their creative practice development after completing their studies, Workroom Create offers access to facilities in ceramics, glass, textiles, fashion, wood, media and traditional print for £35 a month or £325 per year.
<p>Workroom Create member <strong>Lisa McEleny</strong>, Extended <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</a> graduate (2024) and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/award-winners-from-the-graduate-shows-2024#make-southwest-graduate-prize" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MAKE South West Graduate Prize winner</a>, shares how returning to the University’s <strong>artist workspace</strong> has supported her transition from student to emerging maker.</p>
Lisa McEleny
<p dir="ltr">Lisa first encountered the scheme during the pilot phase, which she describes as “really beneficial” for her development after graduation. Continued access to the ceramics studios — including <strong>ceramics studio access</strong>, kilns and associated facilities — has been essential to progressing new projects, particularly a current collaboration that requires specialist equipment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Workroom Create has allowed her to continue making without the significant costs associated with setting up a personal studio:<br /></p>
“The monthly fee is very fair for the benefits I receive. Workroom Create gives me everything I need at this stage in my career.”
Lisa McEleny, Workroom Create member and BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices alumna
Porcelain Wreath, made from home grown chia on latex, fired with ceramic slip, by BA Hons Craft and Material Practices alumna Lisa Mc Eleny
<p dir="ltr">Lisa also speaks highly of the Ceramics Studio Coordinator, whose expertise with facilities and kiln usage has helped her maintain consistency and confidence in her making.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lisa said: “Having the opportunity to experiment independently and at my own pace has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the space to focus on developing new work and has increased my enthusiasm for creating.”<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">For Lisa, returning to a familiar, specialist environment has strengthened both her practice and her creative identity. She continued, “Being part of the scheme gives me a real sense of belonging.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lisa values the energy and encouragement of working within a wider <strong>creative alumni community</strong>, surrounded by other makers progressing their own ideas. These informal conversations, shared problem-solving moments and everyday interactions help to boost confidence and reinforce the skills she developed during her degree.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lisa also recognises that working independently at home can be isolating. Access to a supportive, professional community has made a noticeable difference to her <strong>creative career development</strong>, providing motivation and connection when she needs it most.<br /></p>
“Arts University Plymouth provides a supportive environment and opportunities to network within the wider creative community. This has made a significant positive difference to my confidence and my ability to continue developing my creative career.”
Lisa McEleny, Workroom Create member and BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices alumna
Home grown wheatgrass, part of BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices alumna Lisa McEleny's body of work
<p dir="ltr">For Lisa, the combination of affordable <strong>artist workspace access</strong>, specialist facilities, and the chance to stay embedded in a creative community is what makes Workroom Create so valuable.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lisa said; “Building relationships with other creatives, both informally and within the Workroom Create group, has been incredibly valuable. I hope these connections continue to grow into a close-knit and supportive community.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Above all, the scheme helps alumni sustain and grow their practice. <br /></p>
“Having the space, equipment and support to keep making has been essential. Workroom Create enables me to keep producing work and progressing my creative career.”
Lisa McEleny, Workroom Create member and BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices alumna
<p dir="ltr">If you’re an Arts University Plymouth graduate looking to continue your <strong>creative practice</strong>, access specialist facilities or reconnect with a thriving <strong>maker community in Plymouth</strong>, Workroom Create might be the perfect next step.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Applications are now open.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> Learn more and apply here: <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/alumni/workroom-create"><strong>aup.ac.uk/alumni/workroom-create</strong></a><br /></p>
