Feature

DJCAD students take centre stage in national art celebration

DJCAD students joined Jeremy Deller’s The Triumph of Art, gaining paid curatorial experience ahead of its grand finale in London’s Trafalgar Square

Published on 18 June 2025

woman's eyes showing out of rock costume
A large, costumed group poses on the steps of Caird Hall in the sunshine, many dressed in colourful handmade outfits.

Imagine being a university student and having the extraordinary opportunity to work alongside an internationally renowned, Turner Prize-winning artist like Jeremy Deller. Well, for three talented Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) students and recent graduates, this isn't a dream scenario – this was their reality as paid, part-time interns on Deller’s The Triumph of Art, commissioned by the National Gallery. 

Kyle, a 2024 DJCAD graduate, took the role of Technical Assistant. “It’s been amazing. It’s exciting to learn practical knowledge from established artists and contribute to a great team of skilled people,” they said. “The skills and practical experience from this role are extremely valuable to me applying for further roles in my career.” 

Lewis, another 2024 graduate, contributed their skills as Curatorial Assistant, which involved everything from organising major elements of the day, to being a first point of call for all participants and visitors. 

“I didn’t think this kind of opportunity was possible, especially having graduated just last year. I’ve learned all sorts of new methods which will feed not only my professional development, but also my own practice as an artist.”

Lewis, 2024 graduate

Olivia, a current third-year DJCAD student, gained valuable experience as Curatorial Production Intern. “It is amazing to contribute to a project of this scale whilst I’m still studying”, she shared. “My favourite thing has been working with and learning from the project team. It’s a pleasure to work with such talented and lovely people on my first professional project.” 

The Triumph of Art

Commissioned by the National Gallery to celebrate its 200th birthday, ‘The Triumph of Art’ is a year-long festival of celebration connecting four UK creative and cultural organisations, including DJCAD, The Box in Plymouth, Mostyn in Llandudno, and The Playhouse in Derry/Londonderry for a year of creative collaboration. Each organisation has a dedicated Assistant Curator overseeing its unique contribution.

Introducing Dundee's Assistant Curator

With each venue participating in the national art project having an Assistant Curator, Dundee's is Laura McSorley, a 2019 DJCAD alumna. Having built her career on increasing access to the arts, Laura keenly understands the invaluable learning opportunity this project offered aspiring creatives. 

“Gaining experience in the arts can be notoriously difficult”, she explains. “Volunteering is seen as a gateway, but this is often only available to those with connections or financial resources. Talented individuals are being excluded because the current system inadvertently favours those who can afford to work for free.”   

Internships

Working closely with the University’s Advancement team, Laura successfully secured funding from Mathew Trust for the three paid, part-time internships. 

“We’re so grateful for Mathew Trust’s support," she said. "Securing paid internships is crucial for dismantling the barriers that often exclude aspiring creatives from entering the arts. These internships provided real-world experience, equipping Kyle, Lewis, and Olivia with a competitive edge in the creative industries. What better way to learn than by working alongside an internationally acclaimed artist on a significant national project?”

group of people standing in front of Meet the Gods sign

Meet the Gods

The interns started their exciting four-month placements in April and went straight into the whirlwind of Meet the Gods, Dundee’s vibrant main contribution to the commission, which took place in the city centre on Saturday 24 May. 

“Dundee city-goers had the chance to mingle with Bacchus, the Roman deity of the arts and theatre, and some of his mythical friends,” Lewis explained.

“Kyle, Lewis, and Olivia’s support was vital to the event’s success. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Laura emphasises.

Looking ahead to London

Referring to The Triumph of Art’s major event, a celebration in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square that will round off the Gallery’s 200th birthday, that Laura and the interns are working with Deller and other partners to bring to fruition.

“Working on Meet the Gods was so rewarding, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the project culminate in London”, Olivia shares. “To work on such a high-profile project, with so many different elements, has set me up with invaluable curatorial experience and skills, all before I even graduate. It’s allowed me to step into the industry I hope to work in, at an amazing point in my education and career”, she adds, recognising the transformative impact of this unique opportunity.  

It's a sentiment Lewis echoes, adding, “Being immersed in this professional environment, working alongside such talented people, has been an education in itself. I feel so honoured to have this opportunity in Dundee, and much more prepared for what comes next.”

“There are a lot of barriers to entering the professional sphere – you need experience to gain a position, and the most common way to gain experience is often unpaid internships which are simply not feasible for many people. Without the funding that made this a paid internship, this experience would have been impossible for me, and I am incredibly grateful.”

Kyle, 2024 DJCAD graduate

The final flourish of ‘The Triumph of Art’ takes place in July in Trafalgar Square. However, here in Dundee, the impact of this extraordinary collaboration is already tangible. For Kyle, Lewis, and Olivia, this paid internship is more than just a line on a CV; it’s a transformative journey, offering invaluable real-world experience and a rare glimpse into the workings of the contemporary art world alongside a true visionary. 

All gallery images credited to Ben Douglas

Story category The Bridge Magazine