artsUnlocked is our beginner-friendly, open-level arts programme, which has quickly become artsUCL’s flagship. Through weekly drop-in classes and hands-on workshop series led by leading industry artists, we wish to create an open, welcoming space where anyone can dive into the arts and express themselves unapologetically, regardless of experience.
As we wrap up this year filled with creativity and friendship, we thought: what better way to celebrate than sitting down with our lovely artsUCL participants? Read along to find out what these four students have loved about artsUnlocked 24/25 💫🎬.
Discover our Weekly Classes and Find your thing!
artsUnlocked is our low-commitment, weekly drop-in arts classes, from singing, movement, painting to acting - you name it. Through weekly sessions with expert guidance, artsUnlocked encourages and celebrates continuous growth from “the ground”, helping complete beginners to achieve things that they “never dared to imagine” (Zhiyi Liu):
“In this class I learned Afro dance steps and hip-hop moves for the first time in my life. I was so nervous and awkward at first, but Elaine (practitioner) told me, you already beat 80% of people in this world for being willing to perform in public. Just groove to the music and own the moment! … I never thought I could dance in front of hundreds, but I did that at the Winter Festival… Elaine taught me to be brave.”
Zhiyi Liu (artsUCL JustVibesParticipant)
There is no pressure to perform or create something polished - for our dedicated artsUCL Community Choir participant, Laila, these sessions became a way to engage with arts in a way that felt stimulating and encouraging.
"The most memorable thing about the choir is we do one song per session, which really gives you a sense of accomplishment. Also, you get to sing with strangers in each session which is super interesting. James, our practitioner, was really fun to work with. He was so humorous and always gave you positive affirmations."
Laila Kamilah (artsUCL Community Choir Participant)
artsLab – The room where it happens.
An Introduction to Film Directing, led by Film Maker Tomisin Adepeju, was our first and sold-out artsLab, which is the branch of artsUnlocked featuring intensives and workshops. Reflecting on the 6-week journey, Victoria highlighted the joy and inspiration she gained through working with likeminded students. “I was surprised how practical this course was. Just jump right in and try it!” (Victoria).
“My favorite experience was connecting with people who were interested in film, and also being able to create something within these 6 weeks. We essentially used the sessions as a writers’ room, bouncing off ideas with each other… Going from speaking together in a class setting to meeting up to create a film, it was really fulfilling to see how different ideas and skills impacted one project.”
Victoria Andrews (An Introduction to Film Directing Participant)
For another student, Alex, who participated in both The Playground facilitated by Theatre Maker, Joseph Hancock, and Make it happen, curated by UCL alumni Josh Moore, the appeal of artsLab came from the unique opportunities to work with experienced industry artists through one-to-one interactions. For anyone with a drive or vision to create, these sessions directly serve to develop your ideas from scratch into something that could eventually become a stage production – while being extremely affordable.
“Courses with Joe usually have hundreds of applicants at the Old Vic theatre, so the fact that we are bringing them right here to artsUCL is incredible… I’ve learned how to cater my bids for the Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio shows from Josh Moore, who made my visions really clear which then developed into my production of Much Ado About Nothing.”
Alex Dunn (The Playground & Make it Happen Participant)
Looking ahead…
Without a doubt, the first year of artsUnlocked has generated an accessible creative hub here at UCL, where everyone is welcome to express their creative visions and find their thing. As we look ahead to the next chapter, we do so with huge gratitude - for every individual who has trusted us to share their creative journey and memories with us, and for the community spirit that continues to define artsUCL.
Whether you’re returning or just joining UCL, a seasoned creative or a complete beginner, a brand new year of the expanded artsUnlocked offer is here for you! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates!