Retreat to Create

What is Retreat to Create?

Retreat to Create is an art project that showcases campus as a hub where original thinking, creativity and collaboration thrive!

As part of this 60 hour long project, David explored campus and the local community. He inspired students and staff through interactive masterclasses and a keynote speech in the award-winning Faculty of Arts Building (FAB) and took his creative expertise out to local primary and secondary schools.

David also brought his chart-topping podcast, Creative RebelsLink opens in a new window, to Warwick Arts Centre for a live recording, featuring inspiring guests from both Warwick and the wider creative world.

In collaboration with students from across the University, David brought ideas to life with two original mural designs.

The designs went head-to-head in a campus-wide vote where staff and students chose their favourite. The winning artwork is now set to transform the side of the Student Union, unveiled during the excitement of Welcome Week.

Concept 1 - Warwick Goose (Winner)

The iconic Warwick geese, a recurring theme of David's conversations with students and staff alike! Students spoke of their experiences, the nature on campus, the growth they see in the birds and the connections to student spaces like the Dirty Duck.

Many students also pointed out how iconic the staircase in the FAB building is. Its sharp angles and dramatic reaches create so many shapes and patterns. These shapes form the background to the piece, in a pattern almost like a dazzle camouflage.

Concept 2 - Lady Godiva

Lady Godiva was mentioned by staff and students with pride in terms of the story and the historical connection to Coventry.

The background of the piece is floral, made up of fauna found on campus. It draws attention to the local nature, which many were passionate about, while further reinforcing the ‘colour in cities’ theme.