ART students from around the region will be able to receive some free expert advice to help them to get into university.

Cleveland College of Arts and Design (CCAD) is hosting a Portfolio Advice Day at mima art gallery in Middlesbrough on Wednesday, January 9 to provide art and design A-Level and BTEC students with access to course tutors for informal chats about university life.

Tutors and students from the North-East will be on hand to advise on putting together a strong portfolio of work, how the courses are structured and getting in to the creative industries, covering a range of subjects including Fine Art, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic Design, 3D Design, Illustration and Photography.

The scheme is part of a wider initiative begun by University of the Arts London (UAL) and Tate Britain, and is aimed at students with no family background in higher education to give them the information and tools they need to win a place on an art and design degree course.

Nicky Peacock, project co-ordinator at CCAD, said: “Portfolio Advice Day is an amazing opportunity for students to get expert advice from tutors and current students. I was the first person in my family to study at higher education so whilst I had encouragement, I had no access to relevant knowledge so I certainly understand how helpful an event like this can be. This day is about redressing the balance.”

For more information about the event and how to book a place, contact nicky.peacock@ccad.ac.uk or visit www.portfolioadviceday.org.uk