North Hertfordshire College is proud to share the fantastic success of our creative Supported Studies learners in the Royal Opera House Design Challenge for 2023! Louis Williams and Tanaka Mverechena, who are both studying for their Entry Level 3 Art and Design diploma at NHC, have both received Commendation for their work on the challenge this year.
For the challenge, the students worked on a project on design brief focused on Mozart’s The Magic Flute, interpreting the story of the opera through the eyes of a child. They explored the characters, their roles, and their personalities, produced storyboards about the scenes of the opera, and designed and produced a personal vision to fit the brief. The judges were so impressed by their work, they added an additional Commendation in this year’s competition.
Following their success, ROH have offered the students a celebratory online talk from Judge Ruth Paton (Designer for Performance at the Royal Opera House). And that’s not all – the Royal Opera House are also exhibiting both Louis’ and Tanaka’s sketchbook work as part of the public Design Challenge Winners exhibition in the Linbury Foyer at the Royal Opera House! This exhibition, open to the public, will see their work provide inspiration to aspiring designers.
A Royal Opera House spokesperson commented: “Congratulations to your students Louis and Tanaka for being within the 6 students to receive a special mention this year during the Design Challenge judging. It is a true mark of the creativity and quality of the work that an additional 6 were selected for Commendation by the Judges this year.”
Natalie Steptoe, one of North Hertfordshire College’s Creative Arts tutors, is very proud of Tanaka’s and Louis’ achievements. She told us: “We have never entered this level of students before, so the fact both students were recognised was even more special. We are over the moon for Louis and Tanaka.”
Louis and Tanaka were delighted about their commendation, with Louis stating: “I’m really excited, to be Commended was something I never expected from such a wonderful place as the Royal Opera House. My parents are very proud.”
Tanaka agrees! They added: “I was very proud and blessed about hearing the news.”
Well done again to Tanaka and Louis on your hard work!
Are you looking to express your own creativity? For more information about our courses, please visit our Creative Industries page. With NHC, you can stay close and build an amazing portfolio so that you can go far in your future career!