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 Cameron Barker shares insight into studying on the programme.

What first sparked your interest in the arts, and how did that journey lead you to RCS?

I was first exposed to the arts when I was eight years old when I joined my local youth theatre. My mum was keen to build my confidence; however, this had a life-changing impact on me, and I immediately grew to love theatre and the arts.

Years later, I began volunteering at Showworks Theatre where I help facilitate weekly classes in Ayrshire. Through this, I found a new love for teaching and working with children to make theatre, which led my boss to telling me about this course. Great decision!

What were you doing before joining RCS? Can you tell us about your creative or professional background?

What drew me to the course was having a professional qualification in the job that I adore doing and being able to experiment with other artforms I otherwise wouldn’t have thought of doing.

Why did you choose RCS for your training? Was there something specific that drew you in?

I have enjoyed exploring new artforms and finding new ways of communicating with others in a creative way.

What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?

I have grown in awareness of my social conscience. I feel I have a better understanding of how people’s minds work within their objective contexts.

How has studying at RCS helped you grow as an artist or practitioner, whether creatively, technically or collaboratively?

What surprised me was the level of choice we get. There is a lot of flexibility and awareness from staff, and it has allowed me to explore new ways of being creative and exciting strategies to progress my academic work.

What has surprised you about the course or your own development since starting?

How easily I am developing more art forms as the weeks go on, sometimes I feel like a sponge and I’m just absorbing everything.

Have you had the chance to collaborate with industry partners or external companies during your studies?

Collaboration is the most important part of this job. We have worked with numerous practitioners and will continue to work with many more!

We have worked with dance artists, poets, songwriters, dramaturgs, storytellers and many more! All with extremely unique and interesting ways of connecting with people but all very accessible and intuitive.

Are you currently working on any creative projects outside RCS?

We are currently working on our annual summer show at Showworks, where I am assistant director, and I also help backstage. We do workshops and one-off masterclasses during school holidays for young people.

We have created short films and shows in a week and created entirely improvised plays from scratch in a day! These workshops are always so rewarding and really show off children’s talents.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I see myself in communities connecting with people and showing others new ways of expressing themselves. I also wish to be a drama teacher, a friendly face for students to come and explore the world of the arts in a safe space.

What would you say to those who are thinking about studying on Arts with Community?

Do it! Arts with Community is a space where you can explore something you have never done before and without the barriers you may have elsewhere.

It is a constantly shifting atmosphere with new skills to learn and it’s so fun! You don’t need to be an expert; you just need your creative brain.

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Interested in studying on the BA Arts with Community programme?

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

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