Rowan takes over the Fitz!

In summer of 2024, thanks to the generous support of the Marlay Group Fund, Rowan artists had the chance to explore their creativity in an exciting project in partnership with the the Fitzwilliam Museum.

The pilot project, Fugitive Emissions, invited 24 of our student artists to a four-day residency at the museum, working alongside the talented Sally and Steve from Indefinite Article. Together, they delved into the museum’s incredible collections and created something truly magical—a collaborative stop-motion animation created from their artwork.

This experience not only enriched the Rowan artists creative language, introducing them to new skills but also provided an opportunity for socialising with different people in a different environment, building self-confidence and a sense of belonging to a wider community of art and artists. The funding also enabled a short documentary film to be made of the Rowan artists journey and experiences during the residency.

The project was concluded with a celebration at the museum, where artists, their families, and staff from Rowan and the Fitzwilliam gathered to enjoy a screening of the animation, a short documentary about the residency, and a display of the artworks created during the project.

As one of our artists, Louis, put it:

“I definitely feel like I’ve been on a journey, looking at art, drawing, and making in clay. Going to the museum for the film screening with my mum was the best thing ever. I loved being part of an extraordinary team of artists.”

Rowan now supports over 90 adults with learning disabilities through creative workshops, as well as trips and community partnerships that enrich their experience. Projects like the Fitzwilliam Museum residency help broaden horizons, build social and life skills, and foster independence. They also showcase the unique talents of our artists to the museum and the wider public, highlighting the valuable contributions of creatives from diverse backgrounds.

A huge thank you to the Fitzwilliam Museum, Sally and Steve of Indefinite Article, and the Marlay Group Fund for making this unforgettable experience possible.

Click here to watch the 4 minute documentary about the project

Final stop-motion animation ‘Twist My Fitz’ coming soon – watch this space!