Arts University Plymouth marks 170 years of creative education with new display at The Box

<p dir="ltr"><strong><em><a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/displays/in-the-making-170-years-of-arts-university-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In the Making: 170 Years of Arts University Plymouth</a></em></strong> opened on Saturday 4 July 2026 and runs until Sunday 4 October 2026, as part of The Box’s ‘Summer of Expression’ season of exhibitions and events. The free display traces the university’s story from its foundation as Plymouth Drawing School in 1856 to its role today as a specialist arts university rooted in practice-led creative education.</p> <p dir="ltr">Presented at The Box just after the museum, gallery and archive was named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, the display celebrates the people, places and practice that have shaped generations of artists, designers, makers, educators and creative professionals in Britain’s Ocean City.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s story began in rented rooms at 37 Park Street on 21 January 1856. From the outset, the school was shaped by Plymouth’s identity as a working port city, with teaching connected to architecture, mechanical drawing and drawing applied to shipbuilding. It also served different working patterns, including evening classes for people who worked during the day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Across 170 years, the institution has changed in name, scale and location, from Plymouth School of Art to Plymouth College of Art &amp; Design, Plymouth College of Art and, in 2022, Arts University Plymouth. Its purpose has remained consistent: creative education grounded in making, public life and opportunity.<br /></p>

<p>The display, which showcases materials from The Box’s archives and art collection, as well as pieces on loan from Arts University Plymouth’s collections and alumni offers a snapshot of creative learning and student life across the institution’s history, reflecting the communities of staff, students and alumni who have contributed to Plymouth’s cultural life over 170 years.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Arts University Plymouth, said:</strong> “Arts University Plymouth began life in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, and 170 years later we remain rooted in the same essential belief: that creative education changes lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This display is not only about looking back. It is about recognising the thousands of people who have studied, taught, made, experimented and built creative futures here in Plymouth. Across different names, buildings and generations, the university has remained connected to the city and committed to the value of creativity, ideas and imagination.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are very grateful to The Box for programming this anniversary display in their Active Archives gallery. There are few better places to mark 170 years of creative education than in a museum, gallery and archive that understands the importance of memory, public access and civic pride.” <br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The display forms part of a major summer programme at The Box, which also includes <strong><em>Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour</em></strong>, a celebration of one of Britain’s most influential post-war painters, <strong><em>Echoes of Us</em></strong>, which showcases a selection of important works from the Government Art Collection, and <strong><em>Where’s Your Head At?</em></strong>, The Box’s Children and Young People’s Open 2026, delivered in partnership with Arts University Plymouth.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Lauren Taverner Brown, Head of Communications &amp; Marketing at Arts University Plymouth, said:</strong> “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the depth of Arts University Plymouth’s connection with the city. Many people in Plymouth have a personal link to the university, whether they studied here, taught here, worked with us, visited exhibitions, supported students, or know someone whose creative path began here. In the Making is a public invitation to recognise that shared history and the continuing importance of creative education in Plymouth.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Founded in 1856, Arts University Plymouth is now a specialist arts university offering undergraduate, postgraduate and pre-degree study across art, design, craft and media. Its city-centre campus includes professional studios, workshops and digital resources, as well as MIRROR gallery, Fab Lab South West and Plymouth Arts Cinema.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/events/displays/in-the-making-170-years-of-arts-university-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>In the Making: 170 Years of Arts University Plymouth</em> </a>is open at The Box until Sunday 4 October 2026. The display is free to visit and no booking is required.<br /></p>