Graduate art and design showcase at BNU’s School of Art, Design & Performance opens its doors to the public

The BNU Graduate Design Show is open to the public at the University’s High Wycombe campus until Wednesday 21 June.

Housed in the University’s School of Art, Design & Performance, the exhibition will see work from students from fifteen Art and Design disciplines, on display at a show that is open for public viewing between 16 – 21 June.  

The exhibits include examples of fashion design, photography, interior special design and creative advertising, amongst many others.  

The show, which forms a vital part of each student’s degree final assessment, provides both a source of inspiration and a sneak preview for those curious about the experience of studying Art and Design at the University.  

Speaking about this year’s BNU Graduate Show, Head of the BNU’s School of Art, Design & Performance Professor SriKartini Leet said “I’m incredibly proud that BNU continues to host our annual Summer Show in physical form, as it represents not just a culmination of all the hard work our students have put into their creative practice (and the unwavering support their tutors have dedicated to them), it is also an amazing celebration of their achievement and well-deserved success!” 

Each year a student exhibitor is selected to design the artwork and graphics for the show. This year’s designer, BA (Hons) Graphic Design student Megan Hughes, said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen as this year’s designer. It is such an amazing opportunity and offers invaluable experience to work on a live brief and have the chance to collaborate with the university.” 

Megan's final major project takes inspiration from brutalist art and design and explores how it can be partnered with vibrant, floral imagery to create a blend of juxtaposing textures, and ambiences. As a multi-disciplinary creative with a particular interest in how typography can be utilised within editorial design, Megan wanted this to be a focus within her work. 

You can read an interview with Megan and see her work here. 

Previous students at the School of Art, Design & Performance at BNU include comedian and TV presenter Noel Feilding, renowned 20th century furniture designer Robin Day and actress and social activist Brooke Kinsella, illustrating how the high quality of work done at BNU has led to many successful careers.  

BNU was in fact established in 1893 as the School of Science and Art and has since held a strong association with the creative arts and ‘making’ ever since. Today, with over 9000 students the university has many partnerships with business and industry that sees students who graduate from the School of Art and Design going on into roles in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, film and fashion.  

Courses currently offered by the School of Art and Design at BNU include 3D Design, Art and Photography, Fashion and Textiles, Design for Stage and Screen, Visual Communication and Design. 

Learn more about the School of Art, Design & Performance here. 

Graduate show public opening hours: 

Friday 16 June: 10am – 5pm 

Saturday 17 June: 10am – 2pm 

Sunday 18 June: closed 

Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 June: 10am – 2pm; 5pm – 7pm