The main purpose of the Fine Art, Constructed Textiles and Photography courses is to develop the student’s ability to appreciate the visual world and to respond in a personal and creative way. The Art department staff devise and implement projects which encourage students to question all pre-conceived notions of Art and personal ability. To trust their creative instincts and enjoy expressing their ideas and feelings through the controlled use of a broad range of techniques and materials. As well as investigating and relating to all the evolutionary processes that are inherent in the development of good design, students are encouraged to articulate issues relating to the work of other artists from a variety of cultures, past and present. The Art Studios are very much a centre of creativity and self-expression, and they have an “open house” policy that allows students to work there during activities afternoons and open studio weekends throughout the academic year.