Student Spotlight: Kiera Dymond on studying on Arts with Community at RCS
BA Arts with Community is for the creative and the curious … those who believe in the power of the arts to bring people together.
From performers, writers and musicians to visual artists, filmmakers and dancers, this three-year degree supports students to develop their own artform while working closely with a diverse range of artists, leaders, communities and cultural organisations.
Here, student Kiera Dymond shares insight into her experience of studying on the programme.
What first sparked your interest in the arts, and how did that journey lead you to RCS?
I started dancing at the age of three and have been dancing ever since. However, I took drama in secondary school and found a passion for performing arts. I studied performing arts in college and have always wanted to be involved in the arts.
What were you doing before joining RCS? Can you tell us about your creative or professional background?
I worked as a dance instructor at my local dance studio and was also a youth worker. I also had a lead role in a play in the National Theatre’s Connections festival called The Ramayana Reset in 2022.
Why did you choose RCS for your training? Was there something specific that drew you in?
I was pulled in by the individuality of RCS and was inspired to try something that challenged me and helped me to gain new skills whilst also homing in on my dance. I was interested by the idea of arts in a community setting and wanted to explore that.
What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?
I’ve enjoyed exploring various art forms and working with people who have different strengths and abilities.
How has studying at RCS helped you grow as an artist or practitioner, whether creatively, technically or collaboratively?
Arts with Community has enabled me to collaborate with people from a range of backgrounds and perspectives, while also encouraging me to explore and experiment with new art forms, for example, I have been exploring visual art and photography, and I’ve been finding it very interesting.
What has surprised you about the course or your own development since starting?
The positive change I’ve seen in myself and development in my collaborative skills, such as my confidence to speak up and try different approaches and methods of working as well as developing my collaborative skills by asking questions and sharing my ideas and experiences.
Have you had the chance to collaborate with industry partners or external companies during your studies?
We’ve worked with Bex Anson of Megahertz who is our artist in residence. We’ve been looking at movement within community settings, and I’ve been really inspired by her project STRUT that works with young dancers around Glasgow.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
In a community setting teaching dance whilst also being a mental health ambassador and helping others, especially in areas of deprivation.
What would you say to those who are thinking about studying on Arts with Community?
Arts with Community is incredible, it’s such an invaluable course and you will never stop learning. You’ll never be afraid to be yourself or to ask questions. The hands-on work with surrounding communities is amazing. A small group of us have recently been working with our artist in residence surrounding a community project in Govanhill.
Interested in studying on the BA Arts with Community?
Find out everything you need to know about this three-year degree, including how to apply, entry requirements and programme structure at rcs.ac.uk