Suffolk is no stranger to a rich artistic history.
From the storied work of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, through the stunning local landscapes that have inspired generations of creatives, and right up to contemporary artists like Maggi Hambling, the county has much to be proud of in the creative industries.
In just a few weeks, the future talent coming out of art and design courses at the University of Suffolk will be exhibiting their work at the annual Arts Degree Show.
It’s an important time for final-year students, who can use the show as a springboard to their future success.
It also allows them to celebrate their work with family and friends and gives the chance for the public to enjoy work which head of arts Nigel Ball describes as “thought-provoking, eye-opening and exciting” – some of which has been inspired by the county itself.
Nigel ball is the head of arts (Image: University of Suffolk) Mr Ball said: “The students exhibiting are the people who will influence the future visual landscape in this country, whether it is graphic design, fine art, photography, architecture.
“People will be seeing the future of the creative industries right here, so it’s really exciting to see that work happening as we speak.”
The show kicks off at King Street Cinema in Ipswich on Wednesday, June 18, with a private screening of films created by digital film production and screenwriting students.
Then a private view of the main exhibition will be held at the University’s Arts Building the following evening, where work by students on the architecture, fine art, graphic design, graphic design (graphic illustration), and photography courses will be displayed, before doors open to the public.
The show will include final major project pieces specially created for the exhibition, as well as physical portfolios and architectural visions.
As such, it has something for everyone.
Mr Ball said: “For some people it is a regular fixture in their calendar of cultural events that happen in the region, and we would really like to establish that much more as well, so encouraging people who maybe haven’t come before or those who enjoy art and haven’t experienced the show here previously.”
Art and design degree shows across the country are a big deal, and far from just a final project for the students who will graduate in October.
Industry professionals regularly come along to scout out talented artists and designers, or offer awards, meaning the show provides an important platform for students to showcase directly to their future employers.
This year, the likes of London-based photography firm Metro Imaging, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East and BBC Studios Creative Director David Wilson Nunn – a visiting senior fellow in graphic design at the university – will all be attending.
In previous years, students have been offered job interviews or freelance work projects off the back on the work they have been exhibiting.
Codey Brown graduated in 2023 (Image: Codey Brown) Ipswich-based Codey Brown was among those to secure work as a result of her portfolio, landing a job as a graphic designer and illustrator at Star Editions, where she has designed and illustrated merchandise for the likes of The Hungry Caterpillar, Roald Dahl, and Jim Henson Productions, among others.
Miss Brown, who graduated in 2023, also became a founding member of an Ipswich-based indie games company, Pinfall Games, where she is a lead artist.
She said: “The show was instrumental to getting my first step on the career ladder.
“The portfolio I had put together for the show accompanied me on all my interviews.
“For most of us, the show was the first time we have ever had the chance to display our work in a gallery setting to the public, so it’s a real milestone in a creative person’s career journey.
“It was great to watch the public react to my artwork for the first time.”
Students will showcase their work at the show, which starts on June 18 (Image: University of Suffolk) 2022 graphic design graduate Ondrej Zdenek, 25, was another to find success following the show, now working freelance in film and TV on virtual and motion graphics, as well as branding and logo design.
Since graduating, Mr Zdenek has worked on high-profile shows like Doctor Who, and says the portfolio he created in his final year and exhibited at the arts degree show was what he took to his job interviews.
He added: “It felt like a really good ending to the whole uni experience, showing to potential clients and employers.
“It was a really good opportunity.
“When you are showing your work, you can be proud of it.”
All types of artwork will be on display at the show (Image: University of Suffolk) Mr Ball added: “They can feel a sense of pressure but they always rise to the occasion.
“Part of being in the creative industry is not hiding your work away – you need to display your work, talk about your work, and they are core aspects of working in the creative industries, so this is a really good opportunity for them to experience that live.”
The public view of the Arts Degree Show runs from 10am to 4pm each weekday from 20-27 June, with a Saturday, June 21 public opening from 11am to 3pm.
