World-class creative talent revealed at Northumbria degree shows

Industry professionals and members of the public are invited to gain a sneak preview of up and coming creative talent as Northumbria University, Newcastle opens the doors to its 2015 degree shows entitled REVEAL.

Work from arts, architecture, design and media students will be revealed to international audiences with exhibitions due to take place in Newcastle, Gateshead, London and New York from May. Northumbria’s graduate shows have become a major highlight in the North East’s cultural calendar and within respective industries on a national and international scale.

Working in collaboration with a range of cultural partners, the degree shows take place at Northumbria’s city centre campus in Newcastle, as well as a range of partner venues including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Northern Stage and Tyneside Cinema.

Throughout the summer, selected works will also travel to London and New York to compete for industry attention against some of the most talented student work on the international stage.

Last year Interior Architecture graduate Natasha Kwok was among the students who exhibited their work in the North East and then went to the Free Range Interiors Show in London, winning the coveted title of ‘Interiorist of the Year’ she has since gone on to forge a career in Milan.

She said: “The Free Range awards definitely helped me stand out amongst other graduates, it’s a competitive industry so you need to find an edge wherever you can. On a personal level the award win has served as a reminder of how much I love design and to always continue to work hard and strive for the best.”

Discussing Northumbria’s degree shows, Natasha added: “I would tell any graduating students thinking about taking part this year to grab the opportunity with both hands – you don’t know where it might take you.”

Last year, winning work included seven awards at Graduate Fashion Week, five Best in Show Awards at D&AD’s New Blood, a top industry prize at New Designers for the third year running and Interiorist of the Year at Free Range Interiors.

It’s not just accolades that exhibiting students walk away with, in 2014, several students landed roles with internationally-recognised organisations before they had even graduated. 

Foster & Partners, the prestigious architecture practice led by Norman Foster, head hunted interior architecture graduate Carl Bonas who is now based in the London office while three interior design graduates were offered jobs from award-winning brand and retail design agency Dalziel + Pow.

Dr Heather Robson, Associate Dean, Business and Engagement for Arts Design and Social Sciences at Northumbria University, said: “Our successful cultural partnerships and participation in key industry events mean our students are placed directly in front of industry professionals. This high level of exposure increases their opportunities to secure professional employment.

“Our graduate shows demonstrate the hard work our students have put in over the years and act as a spring board for their careers - we are proud of what they create and want the world to see it.

“It’s also an exciting opportunity for the general public to get a sneak preview of new artwork and cutting edge design before it hits the stage, screen and shelves.”

For more information, see northumbria.ac.uk/degreeshows.

Anyone wanting to find out more about how to launch their creative career at Northumbria can sign up for the University’s open days on 26 and 27 June by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday