From sightseeing and street food to spotting stars and sharing creative ideas – a once in a lifetime trip to Los Angeles.
Creative Arts students recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Los Angeles, made possible through the Department of Education’s Turing Scheme.
The busy itinerary blended cultural exploration, artistic inspiration and hands-on experience. The group stayed in an Airbnb in Westchester and enjoyed the heat and sunshine. On the first day of the trip, the students visited the iconic Griffiths Observatory and travelled up the hills for a breathtaking view of the Hollywood Sign.
Throughout the trip, students explored some of the most renowned galleries LA has to offer, including The Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and The Broad, where they were able to view art they had studied in class – such as Van Gogh’s ‘Irises’ and Andy Warhol’s ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’.
When walking along Hollywood Boulevard, the students were challenged to find a star on the Walk of Fame that related to themselves. This led them to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, home of nearly 200 celebrity handprints, footprints, and signatures set in concrete.
A highlight of the trip for many was visiting Santa Monica. With time to explore independently, students made the most of the experience, from trying out beachside gym equipment to sampling local street food. After plenty of time for shopping, the group watched the sunset from the pier. A truly unforgettable experience.
On the final day, the group had the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look into some of their favourite shows with the Warner Bros Studio Tour. They explored famous sets from Friends, Batman, Game of Thrones, and Gilmore Girls.
A key part of the experience was the opportunity to connect with Otis College of Art and Design. Students immersed in college life – joining classes, collaborating on projects and gaining insight into studying art and design in the US.
Richard Shelton from Otis College shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Every year I look forward to hosting your students from Taunton. They are always so excited to be at an art school in Los Angeles, and they always take advantage of the situation… They seem to make the most of the time they are at the college. Plus we all love your British charm. Looking forward to your next visit. This is an amazing collaboration!”
Reflecting on the visit, Martha, UCS Art & Design student described it as:
“a magical once-in-a-lifetime experience… surrounded by the loveliest people in the loveliest place.”
The trip perfectly demonstrates the power of the Turing Scheme in opening doors, broadening horizons, and giving students the confidence to embrace new opportunities. For our Art & Design students, Los Angeles was more than just a destination – it was a source of inspiration that will influence their creative journeys for years to come.
To find out more about studying Creative Arts, please see here.