Arts and Music

Newnham has a number of thriving arts facilities and societies.  Some are mainly for members of the College, but many events are open to the wider world.  The Old Labs, in the College grounds, were converted some years ago to make a Performing Arts Centre, used for concerts, plays, workshops and talks.

Music

The Newnham Raleigh Society, founded in the very early days of the College, organises regular termly concerts, and also lunchtime concerts most Wednesdays in Full Term (see What's On).  These are open to the public.  Other occasional musical events such as master classes are organised in the Old Labs: in recent years we have had master classes given by Neil Jenkins (tenor) and Roger Vignoles (piano accompanist), and two very successful intensive chamber music weeks organised by Monica Buckland, a professional conductor and graduate of the College.

Music facilities for students include practice rooms in the Old Labs, grand pianos in the MCR and in the College Hall, and a harpsichord in the Old Labs.  Newnham offers choral awards to students to sing in Selwyn Chapel Choir; there are generally about four awardholders at any one time.  Newnham also offers its own vocal/instrumental awards, in addition to the University's Instrumantal Award Scheme.

The Old Labs can sometimes be booked for concerts or recordings by groups outside the College; recent events have included some very successful cello-and-piano recitals, and workshops for the European Association of Piano Teachers.  For information contact the Conference and Events coordinator.

Drama and literature

The Old Labs is equipped for plays, with a full set of lighting equipment, and Newnham students regularly organise dramatic performances there (see What's On).  The College has also held a number of very successful literary events and talks; in Spring 2009 the College hosted part of Cambridge Wordfest, with Salley Vickers, Rebecca Abrams, Nicola Beauman and Susan Sellars.

Art

The College has its own Art Room, equipped with drawing easels, tables, art supplies, sink, sewing machines and other craft tools. Art exhibitions and competitions are held from time to time, based on the Old Labs.

Photography

The College has its own wet darkroom and holds occasional photographic competitions; a number of the photographs on the College website have been taken by students.