Fresh talents to shape Vauxhall’s future

Vauxhall Motors is launching a pioneering programme that will bring together emerging creative talent to work on a series of initiatives over the coming year.

The VX Collective will support six representatives from the design, fashion, music and fine art worlds, as well as a top skateboarder and motor-racing driver, as they collaborate on product development, arts events and master classes.

Vauxhall Motors consumer communications manager Simon Ewart says it is hoped that the collective’s members will help to ‘shape’ the motor company’s thinking by offering insights into their areas of expertise.

‘These areas are non-traditional to the car world, but they really are important. For some people, the car they drive matters as much as the clothes they wear,’ he explains.

Ewart, who is overseeing the programme, adds that it reflects Vauxhall Motors’ growing commitment to design. ‘As it’s our centenary year, we wanted to champion style and design in the UK by supporting young leaders in those fields. It’s a way of helping them extend their skills,’ he says. The VX Collective’s activities will include designing a set of skateboarding ramps and holding a ‘car art boot sale’, featuring customised cars and art and sound installations, in London next July.

Each of the participants will also lead a master class for ‘the next generation of new talent’.

Ewart says the programme is expected to be ongoing. ‘As it develops as a concept, more people will be invited to join from other areas,’ he explains.

Product designer Sam Buxton, racing driver James Thompson, skateboarder Pete King, artist Lucia Helenka, fashion designer Giles Deacon and DJ Ross Allen (pictured, left to right) have been selected to participate in the fledgling initiative.