Students take centre stage in inspiring Torbay art exhibition

Students from across Torbay took centre stage in a special and inspiring exhibition.

It came as the Artizan Collective celebrated the launch of its 2025 Students Exhibition, a showcase dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the creative voices of the next generation. 

The exhibition, which brought together an inspiring selection of works from young artists, highlighted the importance of arts access for students—giving them the chance to see their work professionally exhibited, engage with practicing artists, and be publicly recognised for their achievements.

Young people from four schools participated: Torquay Academy, Torbay Medical Tuition Service, Churston Ferrers Grammar School, and Brixham College. 

A launch evening saw teachers, families, and members of the local creative community gather to celebrate the students, alongside key figures from Torbay’s civic and cultural sectors. Ward councillors who helped fund the initiative joined, as well as local MP Steve Darling, reinforcing the crucial role that creativity plays in education, personal development, and future career pathways.

“It was amazing to experience the creativity and talent of young artists in Torbay at the Artizan Collective’s Students Exhibition,” said Mr Darling “The chance for students to exhibit their work in a professional setting is invaluable for their confidence. We must continue to support initiatives like this that empower young people, nurture their talents, and ensure that the arts remain accessible to all. Well done to everyone involved in making this exhibition such a success."

“The opportunity for young artists to see their work displayed in a professional gallery is more than just a confidence boost,” said Julie Brandon, Artizan Collective. “For many students, access to creative opportunities outside of the classroom is limited, yet we know that engagement with the arts improves critical thinking, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills. Events like this don’t just showcase talent; they inspire ambition, encourage new perspectives, and allow young people to see the arts as a viable and valuable part of their future.”

Cllr Cordelia Law added: "It was fantastic to have the opportunity to see the incredibly high standard of artwork from some of our very talented young artists in the Bay.” 

At a time when arts education is under threat across the UK, exhibitions like this provide an essential reminder of the role creativity plays in young people’s lives. Studies have shown that access to arts education improves academic performance, mental health, and career prospects—but many students lack opportunities to engage with the arts beyond the school setting.

By giving students a platform to publicly share their work, receive professional feedback, and connect with working artists, Artizan Collective is helping to bridge the gap between education and the creative industries, ensuring that young people have the tools and support they need to thrive.

The event also offered hands-on creative experiences, with studio artist Hannah Taylor inviting students to try their hand at pottery on the night. This practical engagement allowed them to step into the world of professional artists, seeing first-hand how creative practice translates into a career.

A series of awards were presented to standout students.

With this year’s exhibition a resounding success, Artizan Collective is looking ahead to next year’s event and is inviting local businesses, arts benefactors, and community sponsors to get involved in supporting young talent. Sponsoring a school’s participation ensures that more students can benefit from this unique opportunity, helping to cultivate the next generation of artists, designers, and creative thinkers in Torbay.

At a time when arts funding is increasingly under pressure, supporting initiatives like this is more critical than ever. Every student should have the chance to engage with the arts, regardless of background or financial means.

If you or your organisation would like to sponsor a school and help expand access to this programme in 2026, contact Julie Brandon at juliebrandon@artizangallery.co.uk to find out how you can help.