Home
0

Case studies: Forging Community: Artist Blacksmithing x Cart Shed

case study

For Artist Blacksmithing students at Hereford College of Arts, working with Cart Shed goes beyond learning technical craft skills. It’s an opportunity to discover how creative practice can support wellbeing, build confidence, and make a positive difference within the community.

Working alongside Cart Shed – a Herefordshire woodland wellbeing charity – students help deliver blacksmithing workshops for participants of all ages in an outdoor, supportive environment. Rather than focusing solely on finished objects, the workshops encourage creativity, confidence, and participation through the shared experience of making.

As students guide participants through traditional forging techniques, they develop valuable professional skills including communication, leadership, empathy, teaching and public engagement. The experience also broadens their understanding of future careers, demonstrating that blacksmithing can lead to opportunities in community practice, education, and socially engaged arts as well as independent studio practice.

The partnership has become an important part of the course, helping students build confidence while reflecting on the kind of creative practitioners they want to become. For many, it is the first time they experience the impact their skills can have on others.

For HCA, the collaboration reflects a wider commitment to industry-connected learning that places creativity within professional contexts. By working alongside Cart Shed, students develop not only as skilled makers, but as creative professionals capable of using their practice to support communities and improve lives.

We ask students to design the life they want to lead.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Students realise they can make a difference

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Community practice is just as valid a career pathway as running your own studio.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Teaching someone else often transforms a student's confidence.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

It's not about producing perfect objects—it's about engaging with the process.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Students discover strengths they didn't know they had.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

The partnership opens up possibilities beyond being a sole trader.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Making something can change how people see themselves.

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

The greatest impact is when students realise: 'I can make a difference.'

Del Done MBE & Dr. Oliver Cameron-Swan

Quick Details

Industry Partner Cart Shed
Course BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing
Industry Engagement Type Community Partnership
Partnership Length Established 2017 (current programme in its third iteration)
Project Type Community-based creative practice and outreach partnership

Project Themes

  • Community engagement
  • Wellbeing
  • Socially engaged practice
  • Traditional craft
  • Creative participation

Students Develop

  • Blacksmithing instruction
  • Leadership
  • Teaching and facilitation
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Community engagement
  • Public speaking
  • Professional confidence
  • Career awareness

Professional Context

  • Woodland wellbeing charity
  • Live community workshops
  • Intergenerational learning
  • Outreach and public engagement
  • Traditional craft in contemporary settings
  • Long-term strategic partnership

Also in this section

case study

Case studies

Case studies
case study

Designing for a Global Audience: Graphic & Media Design x Hay Festival

For more than fourteen years, Graphic & Media Design students at Hereford College of Arts have worked with Hay Festival Global, responding to live creative briefs for one of the world's most recognised literary and cultural festivals.
case study

CMYK Industry Engagement Case Study Pack

For more than fourteen years, Graphic & Media Design students at Hereford College of Arts have worked with Hay Festival Global, responding to live creative briefs for one of the world's most recognised literary and cultural festivals.
case study

Sidney Nolan Trust Industry Engagement Case Study Pack

For more than fourteen years, Graphic & Media Design students at Hereford College of Arts have worked with Hay Festival Global, responding to live creative briefs for one of the world's most recognised literary and cultural festivals.
case study

Straight 8 Industry Engagement

From Hereford to Cannes, through Straight 8, HCA creates extraordinary opportunities that prepare students for careers in the creative industries.
case study

Building Theatre Careers Through Industry Experience: Performing Arts x Birmingham Rep

Students on HCA's Performing Arts course benefit from a long-standing partnership with Birmingham Rep, one of the UK's leading producing theatres.

Next steps

How to apply Book an open day Accommodation A-Z Course finder

View again

Accessibility settings

Use the options below to change your accessibility settings.

View accessibility policy

Allow Youtube content?

This content is provided by Youtube, we need to ask for your permission before viewing as they may be using cookies or other technology out of our control. You can read more in their policy before accepting. To view please continue below.

Accept