Just when you thought our community couldn’t get any cooler… welcome Ella! We’re excited to introduce you to our fabulous new WorkShop addition Ella Snell. Ella is the founder and director of Art School Plus, a social enterprise which supports exceptional early-career artists to make art in the public realm.
When WorkShop first came to Camden we had lots of hopes of what our community might look like. We wanted the space not only to be occupied by artists and designers, but also people with the knowledge and skills to help others to thrive in the creative industries. In 2023 we’re seeing just that!
Hi Ella! Tell us about what you do?
What I’m doing now came about through a mix of passions. Before founding Art School Plus, I spent six years heading a UK-wide program at the British Library, which focused on community and public engagement. I wanted to combine this knowledge with my love of working directly with artists. I had previously worked for the internationally renowned artist Sir Antony Gormley, and still do some freelance work for Yinka Shonibare and his studio. Thus, Art School Plus was born.
Alongside Art School Plus I’m also a Henry Moore Foundation Trustee, sitting on the Audiences and Education committee, and an Access and Participation Advisor at City & Guilds Art School. Occasionally, I do some consultancy work for Oxford Cultural Associates and am currently working on a great project with them for the British Council focusing on cultural leadership.
Who / where do you get your inspiration from?
So many places, but the artists I work with on a daily basis hugely motivate and inspire me with their creativity and commitment.
What are you working on now (if you’re allowed to tell us!)
We have three public realm commissions underway with Camden Council and another in Newham. I’m also planning the onboarding and training programme for our next cohort of artists in 2023.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Every public realm commission is different. Every artist is different. I love this variety and the challenges and opportunities it brings. However, as a values-led organisation, we approach every project with the same values and with the same unified attitude. Our values were shaped and created by our diverse group of artists and will continue to evolve as our community evolves. Our 2022/23 values are: openness, support, active listening, generosity, commitment, play, exchange, risk, leadership and integrity.
What do you like about being a member at WorkShop?
Everyone here is so interesting and focused, it is great to be part of a group of people who are making things happen.
Follow Art School Plus here
