Artists and architects of the future will showcase their talents when the University of Ulster’s Belfast School of Art opens its doors to the public for the annual exhibition.
New graduates will demonstrate their creativity in a number of disciplines from photography to fashion and architecture to art, during the week-long event at York Street from tomorrow (June 8).
Graduates, poised to begin their new careers, are promising to provide visitors with a spectacular display of unique works of art, in an explosion of creativity taking over all four floors at the Belfast campus.
The School of Art will reveal challenging sculptures and eye-catching prints, high-trend fashion and exquisite jewellery, animation successes and communication solutions.
The School of Architecture will showcase the work of furniture, product and interior designers as well as pieces from both undergraduate and postgraduate architecture students.
Debbie Fraser, Associate Head, Belfast School of Art, said: “This year our graduates have once again amazed us with their talent. We are sure they will succeed in finding their places in the creative industries in Northern Ireland and further afield, as well as continuing to contribute to the economy.
“This event gives the University of Ulster not only the chance to celebrate its talented new graduates, but it offers visitors the opportunity to become owners of unique art work while investing in this new generation of artists and designers.
“It is is also a great platform for individuals to see what goes on in our campus and find out more about what we offer in full-time, part-time and short courses.
“As we facilitate visits from school and college parties, it gives future students a chance to see at first hand exactly what they can achieve by studying here at the University of Ulster.”
Professor Peter Walker Head of the Belfast School of Architecture explained it was the first time the University has run separate degrees in Interior Design and Product with Furniture Design.
“This has allowed our students to explore their particular area of interest in separate studios and in much more depth than previously, which is reflected in the quality, imagination and sheer delight of their work on show,” he said.
“The final year BA Architecture students have been involved with projects in Belfast and Dublin and the work they have produced reveals a real understanding and sensitivity to the character of the two cities.
“This ability to read the urban context is a vital skill for architects and our students demonstrate a mastery of this talent in imaginative built solutions which look entirely appropriate to their setting.
“Students on the postgraduate Masters in Architecture have worked in both Belfast and Berlin – two cities with interesting parallels and fascinating histories.
“The work of the Masters’ students shows not only a clear and sophisticated understanding of these complex cities, but also how they can produce technically complex buildings which are fully resolved in every respect.
“Students in interiors, product, furniture and architecture share a breathtaking imagination and originality, which takes their buildings, products and furniture beyond simple functional solutions and into poetic and joyful creative work.
“As teachers we are amazed and a little humbled by the talent, creativity and enthusiasm of our students when we look around at the final exhibition.”
“At the Belfast School of Architecture we produce designers and architects who are not only technically competent, but are also enterprising, imaginative and passionate about their work.
“We know from the many employers we talk to that our graduates go on to make a significant contribution as soon as they take up their posts in offices and studios and continue to work as skilled professionals and talented designers.”
The show opening times are:
Saturday June 8 – Saturday June 15
Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 9.00pm
For more information contact Debbie Fraser on dea.fraser@ulster.ac.uk