One student who took advantage of the support available via the Futures Fund - and unexpectedly found herself taking part in a Korean hot glass fashion show - is MA Glass & Ceramics student Hassina Khan. Hassina applied to the Fund to take part in the International Festival of Glass in August. The festival aims to showcase ‘the dynamic world of glassmaking by the world’s greatest glass artists with high quality exhibitions, international masterclasses, artist demonstrations and presentations’ and as a student of glass Hassina was keen to go along and check tickets, steward at exhibitions, and get the opportunity to network with fellow glass artists.
To her surprise and delight Hassina was asked by the festival director to support curator Candice-Elena Greer, the producer of Hot Hanbok – Cool Glass. Hot Hanbok – Cool Glass was a partnership between the Korean Cultural Centre and the International Festival of Glass. It took the form of a fashion show; more than 30 traditional and contemporary Korean costumes coupled with contemporary glass jewellery and body adornments commissioned from some of the best glass artists in the UK and Korea.
Hassina says: "My main role was to receive and unpack the glass; prepare it for the event, including laying it out and storing it safely. I had to work out how this art would be worn by the models and, working as part of a small team, dress and undress the models with it for the catwalk rehearsal and performance."
She adds: "I am very grateful to the Futures Fund for supporting me to attend. In addition to developing a greater understanding of contemporary practice in glass, I can add my experience working on the Hot Hanbok – Cool Glass event to my CV, potentially increasing my options for work once I leave university."