Vending machines might usually be associated with grabbing a quick snack or drink to get through the day. Now the University of Plymouth has installed one stocking artwork from local creatives, students and alumni.
Located on the public-facing ground floor of its flagship Roland Levinsky Building, the machine holds small, affordable pieces – ranging from games to notepads – to give the local community unique gift ideas, and put its students’ work in front of a wider audience.
Installed by South West-based company Supamatic, the initiative sees students submit designs to be commissioned, with those selected invited to upscale items to be stocked alongside those of established artists.
Illustration graduate Jamie England was also invited to design the wraparound for the machine. On its unveiling, they said: “The design had to be tied to the location, so something a bit -seaside-y, which is good for me because I quite enjoy drawing fish and other ocean creatures. I’ve not really done anything of this size and scale before so it was quite daunting but a fun task and cool to see it in place.”
Programme lead for Illustration, Ashley Potter, added: “As illustrators, we always understand that you have to reach an audience, and nowadays you can do it online, but nothing beats the thrill of having the actual product as well. This vending machine also supports students owning their work as creators, which is becoming increasingly important – particularly in a world of AI.
“By buying one of these items, you’re buying part and parcel of the creative themselves, something to cherish, and something to look back on as part of their journey as they branch out into the world. We really hope people come along and see the amazing work here – whether they’re looking for a gift to buy someone, or just want to see the incredible work our students and local creatives do.”
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