Childhood memories, social media, black identity, and evolving landscapes are just some of the themes being explored in this year's Travers Smith CSR Art Programme.
Now in its third year, this innovative Programme is an integral part of the firm's CSR Programme and plays an important role in supporting local communities and nurturing emerging talent. The CSR Art Programme features 30 artworks produced by final-year undergraduate students from the University of Westminster and postgraduate students from the Royal College of Art. The vibrant and diverse artworks will be on display across meeting rooms, client dining spaces and other communal areas in the firm's London office.
Recognising that establishing a career as a professional artist is a challenging undertaking, the core objective of the Programme is to support emerging talent and provide participating artists with valuable skills as they transition from university to professional practice. Travers Smith offers participating artists a range of professional support, including workshops on business skills and pro bono legal advice relevant to being a professional artist. All artworks can also be purchased via a silent auction, with all proceeds going directly back to the students.
New for this year, Travers Smith has developed a strategic partnership with the Serpentine Galleries, one of the most successful and influential galleries in Europe. Through this partnership, the firm will be offering participating artists valuable insights into exhibition planning and development, as well as opportunities to meet curators and established artists.
CSR Partner Donald Lowe said: "The Art Programme is at the heart of our Corporate Social Responsibility work and visibly demonstrates our CSR commitment from the moment someone steps into our offices. Now in its third year we are delighted with the Programme's success, not only in terms of the way in which the artwork enlivens and enriches our office, but also the valuable support the Programme is able to offer to our participating artists."
Gillian Youngs, Head of Innovation and Impact at Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design at the University of Westminster, said: “This state of the art synergy across business and creative sectors is just the kind of initiative we value and support. Extending the professional learning of our students as well as the profile of their creative talents enhances their university experience and contributes to their future potential. An imaginative and creative expression of the CSR commitment.”
Professor Juan Cruz, Dean of Fine Art, Royal College of Art said: "In an increasingly challenging funding environment for the arts and education, the RCA is committed to doing all we can to support our students as they study with us and beyond their graduation. We warmly welcome the opportunities provided by the Travers Smith CSR Art Programme which helps facilitate our students’ transition to professional careers through the exposure of their work to new audiences as well as the provision of invaluable pro-bono legal advice."
The firm will also be awarding three cash prizes to winning artists, as chosen by an independent panel of expert judges, and a firm-wide popular vote.
More information about the Art Programme and the catalogue featuring all of this year's artwork can be found on the CSR pages of the Travers Smith website.