Whether we were sketching in Central Park, performing in the streets, or soaking up the atmosphere of the city, every moment in New York became a lesson in art, performance, and what it means to be part of a global creative community.
Our Art and Drama expedition to New York in the June/July school holidays saw us spend 10 mesmerising days exploring the soulful heart of the city’s creative scene. We toured some of the world’s most beloved art galleries, such as MoMA, the Met, and the Guggenheim, and participated in workshops with acting professionals before seeing out the night on the velvet seats of Broadway theatres.
During a graffiti tour in Brooklyn, we were exposed to the rich talent of artists across the city. With the artists taking inspiration from their childhoods, heritage, real-world events, tragedies, and more, we learnt that anything could come out of good art, and that good art could come from anywhere.
While each artist’s style was vastly distinct, in this way, they were each united, which helped to give us a further understanding of Brooklyn’s identity.
Then, it was our turn. Inspired to create by what we saw, we embraced the imperfect and unleashed our creativity by creating our own street-style art, which we were able to bring back home with us.
Along the way, us drama students had the chance to indulge in two acting workshops, which lead us to craft a performance of our own.
Our group passionately embraced the lessons we’d learnt and to produce a street performance inspired by Shakespeare. The premise was simple: each member would act out a line of Shakespearean dialogue one at a time, then tableau in a group. Then, we’d do it all again as a rap. While unfortunately no tips were ever gained, large crowds of onlookers formed, wondering where the show would go next.
While the actors were performing, the artists among us were engaging in their own workshops: embracing and learning watercolour techniques in a studio in Manhattan, walking through the streets drawing people and architecture, and creating movies about the iconic city.
It’s a known fact that many films take place in the ‘Big Apple’, and we were able to stand in front of some of the most iconic landmarks in cinematic history. From the outside apartment of Friends, to the Macy’s from Home Alone, and the countless areas referencing Spider-Man, each location inspired us.
Eventually arriving at the Ghostbusters firehouse was a sight that made each and every one of us smile in delight as we gazed lovingly at the iconic sign hanging above the entrance.
By directly engaging with real world examples of art, as well as gaining experience from seasoned artists, we were able to hone our creative skills and develop a greater understanding of the power of expression and community along the way.
The trip will undoubtedly stay with us for life and inspire us to keep carrying the spirit of innovation and collaboration, no matter what our future endeavours are.
