At Westminster, we are proud to offer a variety of learning experiences and opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Recently, our Fine Art Mixed Media BA students stepped outside the studio and into the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cultural capitals, Paris. This immersive trip gave students the chance to explore the city’s vibrant art scene firsthand, from historic museums and contemporary galleries to the inspiring streets and hidden corners that have influenced generations of artists.
Adi, a student on the trip, shared what the experience meant to her:
Recently students and tutors from our Fine Art Mixed Media BA course visited Paris as part of our Practice module. We stayed for 4 days and had an exciting and inspiring time. The tutors were incredibly supportive and handled all the travel and accommodation arrangements for us, this meant we did not have to worry about preparation and could fully immerse ourselves in the experience!
Galleries
Walking from gallery to gallery is a fantastic way to explore a city, whilst discovering amazing art along the way. Our tutors introduced us to a diverse range of exhibitions, showcasing artists from all backgrounds. One highlight was It Takes a Village by Valentine Gardiennet, featuring playful cartoon-like giants and an enormous bed that visitors could sit on! This exhibit wasn’t just fun but genuinely inspiring for my personal practice as someone passionate about colour and soft sculpture.
The trip struck a perfect balance between work and exploration. Even though we were visiting galleries to inform our practice, it felt genuinely refreshing to experience art from another culture and discover what Paris offers contemporary artists. We even participated in a performance called Walk by Michael Parsons at a gallery on the city’s outskirts – something completely new to me! Whilst I typically find performance art intimidating, this provided a low-pressure opportunity to try something different and create unforgettable memories of performing in Paris.
Sightseeing
We also had plenty of freedom for independent sightseeing and dining. I enjoyed dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower and wandered through neighbourhoods like Belleville and Montmartre. Belleville was particularly captivating with its interesting locals and amazing boulangeries (bakeries) full of delicious treats. My absolute favourite discovery was a vibrant pink raspberry pain au chocolat!
Public transport and food were surprisingly affordable – perfect for students on a budget. Having our hotel within walking distance of fascinating areas was a massive bonus! The trip also boosted my confidence in navigating foreign cities and connecting with course mates I hadn’t known well before.
Since returning, I’ve found all the art I experienced has significantly influenced my practice module work, offering fresh perspectives I would not have encountered in London. Seeing contemporary art in such a variety of settings opened my eyes to new possibilities and gave me a fresh perspective I could bring into my own creative practice – I felt inspired to go bigger, bolder, and more experimental. I would definitely go on this trip again, as it is such a perfect mix of exploring a vibrant new city while learning more about the art world and what it has to offer.
About Westminster
As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To find out more about our Art, Design and Visual Culture courses, visit our website.