Activate your creativity by learning from the best

One of the challenges when working in the creative industries is continually finding inspiration, and while the classroom still has its place for learners, gaining new insights and connections has a got a whole lot easier with Ramp.

One of the challenges when working in the creative industries is continually finding inspiration, and while the classroom still has its place for learners, gaining new insights and connections has a got a whole lot easier with Ramp.

Ramp is the collective brand for creative events, a gallery and a festival organised by Wintec School of Media Arts which delivers inspiration for creatives.

Ramp Festival Director, Megan Lyon says we all need to rejuvenate our ideas and get inspiration but for many people, including Wintec students that can be challenging.

“The answer has been to develop events like Ramp Festival and Ramp Talks that are open to everyone, free and take the place of a creative classroom,” says Megan.

“We tend to learn in different ways and while some people get that light bulb moment in the shower, that’s not always going to help you if say, you want to be an artist or a musician and make a living.”

If that’s you, then you need to be at next Ramp Talks event on Wednesday 30 October when
New Zealand-based musician and creative entrepreneur Charlie Wallace will shed some light on the subject of creative entrepreneurship.

With a philosophy of hands-on learning, Wintec School of Media Arts regularly invites industry specialists like Charlie to hold talks and workshops, allowing students and the wider community to learn directly from the best. Better still says Megan they are free and open to students, alumni and the public.

Ramp Gallery and the Ramp Festival (formerly Spark) are deeply embedded in the Waikato and the national arts scene and have been delivered from Wintec for more than 20 years.

“The Ramp brand gives us more flexibility through the year and opens up the doors for more diverse events and collaboration, which is exciting!”

This year Ramp has delivered a free four-day festival headlining creatives from around the world including performer Nic Kyle, Studio Round partners Michaela Webb and Rob Nudds, artists Jen Bowmast and Nicola Farquhar and Johnny Gibson of Neat Places.

Broadcaster Suzy Cato, iconic Kiwi artist Judy Darragh and journalist David Farrier are just a few of the dynamic speakers who have featured in Ramp Talks this year.

Ramp Gallery Director, Wendy Richdale sees the talks and workshops as another way to connect creative education with creatives in Hamilton city.

“As educators on a city campus, we have a really close connection to the city and a well-established and flourishing arts community. It’s an exciting time for Hamilton as we grow and mature into our own as a creative city and we love contributing to the creative landscape.”

Currently on show at Ramp Gallery, works from Wintec academic and contemporary artist Tim Croucher explore the exotic in the everyday in Somewhere Around Here. While some of the works are by Tim, others are from his collection and give the viewer an insight into the artist’s affection for the culture/s he lives in and the places he explores around the Waikato. Somewhere Around Here is on until 15 November 2019.

Ramp Live provides opportunities for Wintec music and performing arts students to perform for an audience or develop live sound engineering and technician skills. These public music events are held regularly off-campus at Hamilton’s Nivara Lounge.

Ramp events are held around the Wintec campus, activating classrooms and the usual event spaces. To stay up to date with Ramp events, follow Wintec School of Media Arts on their social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or check the events section on wintec.ac.nz.

What’s up next? A talk that would suit any creative looking to build a business from their talents.
Ramp Talks | Creatives in Business with Charlie Wallace

When: Wednesday 30 October 2019, 10am – 11am (Next week)

Where: Wintec Gallagher Hub, City campus

Register your attendance here.

View the event online here

Ends