What makes Falmouth so special for studying creative subjects?

This article was written by Interior Architecture BA(Hons) student Ela.

As I am halfway through my time studying here at Falmouth, the vibrancy and uniqueness of the town continues to inspire my work. It is now quite hard to imagine studying my course anywhere else. As a student of SADI, the School of Architecture, Design and Interiors, the blend of beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage that Cornwall offers benefits me tremendously. The community in general here is so supportive towards students, with multiple art showcases being held all year round and art throughout the town, creating an innovative environment for us!

I could ramble on forever as to why Falmouth is perfect for studying creative subjects, however I have managed to sum it into seven key points;

Creative Hub with Strong Artistic Roots

Historically, Falmouth has always been a centre for the arts. Generations of artists, musicians and filmmakers have been inspired here or by surrounding areas. It is often common to see people busking in the streets or doing other public performance arts. It is a lively community, with galleries, exhibitions and events consistently being held throughout the year, most popularly at the Cornish Bank. This provides a constant flow of creative energy for students, as well as opportunities for us to engage with which is very important in terms of experience! In my short time here, I have already been exposed to many cultural scenes I don’t think I would’ve had the chance to engage with anywhere else.

Access to Diverse Natural Landscapes

If you are like me, you had absolutely no idea where Falmouth even was. I had never been to Cornwall before coming down from London, so as you can imagine it was quite the culture shock. As my studies heavily incorporate my surroundings, Cornwall’s stunning landscapes and historic buildings is a heavy source of inspiration for me! These surroundings aren’t only an inspiration for SADI students however, they inspire creativity in everyone, whether through photography, film, painting, or writing. The natural beauty here offers both tranquillity and excitement, all whist being easy to access, Gylly Beach being a mere five minutes away from town.

Thriving Creative Community

The artistic industry, as many of you know, can be highly completive and therefore an entry into the industry is vital! Falmouth, not only as a University but as a town, has close-knit connections with a community of creative professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. The town holds collaborations with said professionals that students highly benefit from. I can say myself that in these past three months, I have been put in contact with over five different design firms! Moving away from work-based opportunities, students here can highly benefit from being a part of a community that values innovation, experimentation, and cross disciplinary work.

Collaborative Projects and Industry Connections

As previously mentioned, Falmouth University emphasizes real-world experience, and us students are encouraged to work on collaborative projects with industry professionals. Many of my projects revolve around working with real life clients and live projects, which is extremely beneficial, especially as we often present to them and receive feedback. Falmouth University has established connections with leading companies and organizations in creative industries, which gives us valuable exposure and often leads to internships, freelance work, or full-time positions after graduation.

Rich Cultural Scene

Due to students coming from a variety of places and Falmouth’s proximity to the sea, a mix of cultural influences are offered here. As mentioned before, the town hosts various arts festivals, film screenings, music performances, and theatre productions, making it a dynamic environment for creative expression. Students often have the chance to showcase their work at these events or engage with the cultural life of the town in meaningful ways.

Supportive Environment for Creative Risk-Taking

The most noticeable thing, and what I arguably cherish the most, about Falmouth is its laidback and supportive atmosphere. I personally believe that this environment means students feel freer to take creative risks. The town’s small size and community vibe mean that there is less pressure and more space to experiment and explore new ideas. I feel as if I can focus on developing my unique vision in a space where creativity is encouraged to flourish.