Connor Gribben, Bronze and Gold achiever

We asked some questions to Connor, who has done his Gold Arts Award through The Sage Gateshead in graffiti and breakdance.

Connor Gribben, Bronze and Gold achiever

Tell us what level(s) of Arts Award you've done

Bronze and most recently Gold

What art form(s) did you take part in?

Breakdance, Graffiti, Event Organisation

What events did you go to?

I went to Just Jam Intl which is a big breakdance event and City of Colours, a graffiti festival in Birmingham.

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Tell us about your arts hero, or artists you worked with, or cultural organisations you visited.

I gained a lot from working with the artist. I feel like this has led me in the right direction for what I want to do in the future. Working with cultural organisations is a great opportunity to learn new skills, I imagine as I get older and become a artist myself these experiences will help me

How did you share your arts skills or lead your own project?

I shared my skills online via social media, and led my own project by organising a under 18 breakdance event.

What kind of portfolio did you create?

A scrapbook portfolio - download the bit with my review and opinion piece here.

What was most valuable to you personally?

I would say what was most valuable was the whole process to be honest, however organising my own event meant a lot, I learned so much from this. Also working with a professional graffiti artist also up skilled me, I learned new techniques and got an insight into the working life of an artist.

What did you find inspiring?

Working towards something, having a goal and achieving this. This whole thing makes me believe in myself and that I CAN achieve.

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  • Connor and adviser, Paul, discussing his graffiti mural created for his Unit 2.

What was challenging?

I found it difficult at the start to organise myself and understand everything that was needed. I did start my Gold Award a few years ago and was younger and less mature. However I have grown a lot since then and to re visit it with a new perspective made the process easier.

What are you going to do next – and has Arts Award helped you?

I am currently studying at Fine Art Northumbria University, which I wouldn't have been able to do without my Gold Arts Award. I plan on creating my own exhibition of work, continuing to compete in breakdance battles and organise my own events.

How did you get involved with Arts Award?

Originally it was through work placement at Customs House in South Shields, they started me off there and I finished it via the Sage Gateshead.

Who gave you the most help and inspiration?

Fiona Martin (Customs House), Paul Martin (Sage Gateshead).


  • Header image, Connor (front) performing at Just Jam, courtesy of Facebook/Connor Gribben

Author

Bhavesh Jadva

Bhavesh Jadva Voice Team

Former Media Editor on Voice and former Arts Award Editor on AAoV covering film, TV, music and comedy.

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