CaterhamConnected Insight Evening – Creative Arts Networking
CaterhamConnected hosted an inspiring Visual Arts Insight Evening, held at London’s Bankside Gallery. Gathered were some of the brightest people in the creative world, offering a super opportunity for pupils, Old Caterhamians and parents to hear from and network with sector leaders.
Harris Elliott, a multi-disciplinary Creative Director and Stylist open the evening. Harris’ impressive client list includes Nike, Adidas, Paul Smith, and Damon Albarn. Harris talked through his impressive work, sharing insights into his creative journey and how he has collaborated with some of the most influential brands and individuals in the industry. In his keynote address, Harris emphasised the power of collaboration, the importance of building strong relationships, and how being flexible in challenging times can transform difficult situations into positive ones. His inspiring words set the tone for the evening, motivating all those in attendance.
Following Harris, the audience heard from Carlos Lutterbach, visual artist, animator and storyteller whose work has graced iconic films such as Ghostbusters, Chicken Run, and The Simpsons Movie. Carlos shared his experiences from the world of animation and storytelling, offering valuable insights into how creative processes evolve and come to life on screen. His contributions were a real highlight of the evening.
We also welcomed Dragos Rugina, a world-famous architect known for his innovative approach to design. With years of experience shaping the architectural landscape, Dragos shared his insights into the future of architecture and the role creativity plays in building iconic spaces. His thoughts on the relationship between design and functionality captivated the audience.
Raluca Rugina, a top interior designer behind some of London’s most impressive addresses discussed the art of interior design. Raluca’s expertise in creating spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and innovation left the audience with valuable takeaways on how design influences our everyday environments.
Additionally, Rei De Villiers, a cutting-edge digital Art Director, shared her vision for the evolving digital arts landscape and the future of creative technology. Her work at the forefront of digital art is shaping the future of how we interact with creative technology.
Alongside the incredible speakers, it was fantastic to see so many Old Caterhamians from the creative industry engaging with our current pupils, who aspire to be where the OCs are, and offering valuable advice and insights – who knows, they may cross paths professionally in the future!
The event concluded with a powerful message from Sarah Jane Moon, who encouraged everyone in the room to take chances, be proactive, and understand that our actions ultimately determine our success. Sarah Jane’s artwork, held in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Soho House, and the James Wallace Trust, adds another layer of significance to her words. Her inspiring message brought the evening to a fitting close.
Thank you to all the speakers and attendees who made the event a success.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful evening on Tuesday. It was amazing to speak with you and reconnect with other teachers who once taught me. I also really enjoyed meeting the current students at Caterham and having the opportunity to offer them advice as an alumnus—it was truly rewarding. It was also fantastic to speak with the art panelists and receive their valuable advice. I think the symbiotic relationship fostered through CaterhamConnected is incredible, and I would love to attend more events like this in the future.” Tireni OC
