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Arts University Plymouth Extended Diploma Photography students showcase images at the National Marine Aquarium
Friday, 21 February, 2025 — Discover ‘Ocean Optimism,’ a photography showcase by Arts University Plymouth Pre-Degree students in collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust, now on display at the National Marine Aquarium.
<p dir="ltr">Pre-Degree Photography students from Arts University Plymouth have collaborated with the <strong>Ocean Conservation Trust</strong> to create an inspiring photography showcase, which can now be viewed at the <strong>National Marine Aquarium</strong> in Plymouth.</p>
<p>Following a <strong>2024 live brief</strong>, the A-Level-equivalent Extended Diploma students explored themes of <strong>marine citizenship, sustainability, and human connections with the ocean</strong>, using photography to inspire action for ocean conservation. The project builds on the university’s <strong>ongoing partnership</strong> with the Ocean Conservation Trust, which has given students the opportunity to act as marine citizens by using their creative storytelling skills to inspire others to care for and protect the marine environment.</p>
Fineley McDonald Ocean Conservation Trust poster
<p dir="ltr"><strong>The ‘Ocean Optimism’ project </strong>showcases the work of <strong>11 </strong>students from Arts University Plymouth’s <strong>UAL Level 3 </strong><strong>Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design, and Communication </strong><strong>(Photography)</strong> course, with winning images selected by a panel from the <strong>Ocean Conservation Trust</strong> and <strong>National Marine Aquarium</strong>. The overall winner was 18-year-old Louis West, from Tavistock. The final work can be seen in the exhibition space outside the learning center. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pre-Degree Photography student Louis West said: "I wanted to convey the power that getting outdoors can have for how people value the ocean and marine life, and how the outdoors is right on your doorstep. It was great to have the opportunity to work with the National Marine Aquarium and Ocean Conservation Trust and gain real-world experience from an industry brief."<br /></p>
Louis West Ocean Conservation Trust poster
<p>Tobie Loates, Subject Leader for Extended Diploma Photography at Arts University Plymouth, said: "This collaboration with the Ocean Conservation Trust and the National Marine Aquarium is an amazing opportunity for students at Sixth Form-level to work on a live brief that has real-world impact. Their work highlights the power of photography in driving positive change, and we are incredibly proud of the images they’ve produced." </p>
Paige Cunningham Ocean Conservation Trust poster
<p>Becky Dodds, Learning Programme Coordinator at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: "It’s fantastic to support the marine citizenship of local students and see them use their photography to inspire others to care for our ocean. This collaboration highlights the power of creative storytelling in conservation, and we’re proud to help showcase the students’ work at the National Marine Aquarium. Their images encourage people to connect with the marine environment and take positive action to protect it."</p>
Katya Ocean Conservation Trust poster
<p dir="ltr">This latest project follows on from a previous<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/pre-degree-students-showcase-ocean-optimism-at-the-national-marine-aquarium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Ocean Optimism</a>’ exhibition, which invited students to focus on solutions rather than problems, and on connections rather than differences. The <strong>continuing partnership</strong> between Arts University Plymouth and the Ocean Conservation Trust offers students hands-on experience in using visual storytelling to promote conservation and sustainability.</p>
