Each year, the department gets together to produce an extravagant exhibition of the School’s most spectacular and creative projects.

The theme and title for this year’s Degree Show is ‘Build’, an homage to every person who was involved in the renovation of the School’s home, the Alexon building

The exhibition opened with an engaging and eclectic private viewing last Thursday (18^th June), featuring a lively fashion show and awards ceremony, which rewarded the department’s most improved students and influential staff members. Award winners were:

• Advertising Design – Chloe Sadler
• Animation – Natalie Cowell
• Art and Design – Sherelle Jade Munns
• Fashion Design – Frances Callaby
• Fine Art – Rebecca Mairs
• Graphic Design – Ed McKaskey
• Illustration – Koye John Charles
• Interior Architecture – Cheku Sallon
• Interior Design – Akin Akintomowo-Ijoyemi
• Photography and Video Art – Kelly Morris
• Staff member – Alexandra Paise
• Staff member – Dawn Hesketh-Joslin

The spectacular fashion show was attended by over 350 guests. Graduates are already being interviewed for design houses in London and the Postgraduate courses at Central Saint Martins, a world leading art school in London.

Head of Art and Design at the University Colin Davies said:

“The work on show in this year’s degree show, Build, cements the reputation of the Art and Design School at the University of Bedfordshire.

“The growth in reputation of the University is a great springboard for our graduates to build their careers as entrepreneurs and employers in the creative industries.”

Work on display to the public until Friday (26^th June) comes from a number of courses, including Graphic Design, Interior Architecture and Art and Design.

Step into one room and find an Animation student’s representation of depression and social anxiety through film. Cross the threshold and be blown away by gigantic, abstract structures before taking in the serenity of some Fine Art that depicts the feeling of certain places and landscapes.

The work of Photography and Video Art students includes a surreal project by Alex Wickenden, who – through images, a documentary and a live ‘gig’ – tells the story of a group of musicians. The twist is: the band doesn’t actually exist.

“I have come to realise a new and fundamentally important element to my personal and professional creative expression in the form of video art,” said Alex.

“The work submitted this year is highly indicative of the progressive and experimental focus within the department.”

As well as exhibiting at the Alexon, Alex and four other students will have their work featured in the Source Photographic Review Graduate Showcase, where they will be reviewed by industry professionals. As part of the submission, the cohort is also automatically entered into the national Making Pictures Award.

Another student exhibiting is Helen Squires, whose work on constellations is sure to bewilder.

She said: “The award is a fantastic opportunity for further creative and professional development, as well as helping us take those first steps into the working world of being an artist.

“Everyone submitted very different and highly original work, which makes for a really interesting submission.”

Gemma Marmalade, Lecturer in Photography & Video Art, expressed her pride at the recognition:

“I am incredibly proud of our students’ submissions, especially with regard to the variety and experimentation of their practice.”

The Art and Design Degree Show is open to the general public, free of charge until Friday, 26^th June (Closed Sunday). Opening times at the Alexon building on Guildford Street are between 10am and 4pm.

Artwork can also be bought from the pop-up shop, with all proceeds going to the students who created them.

Visit www.build.wecreatetogether.net for further information.

• Photos from the private view and fashion show