Derby to become ‘thriving hub of visual art’ during 2015 final degree shows

Creative final-year students at the University of Derby will be showcasing their predictions for future trends in art, design, music, textiles and photography in the 2015 final degree shows starting next week.

The Big Show is a series of live events and exhibitions across Derby which offers visitors an opportunity to experience the best of emerging contemporary art and design practice from the University’s College of Arts and College of Engineering and Technology students.

Their work explores the issues and subjects of today’s world and also looks ahead, predicting and setting the trends for tomorrow.

The Big Show runs from May 15 to June 13 and kick-starts with The Big Show Music Showcase at Derby Theatre next Friday (15).

The live concert, which starts at 7.30pm, features a diverse mix of rock, pop and acoustic music from students on the University’s Popular Music and Music Technology courses.

An eclectic display of work from final-year art, design and engineering students will be showcased at The Big Show Public Exhibition from Saturday, May 30 to Saturday, June 13.

The exhibition will be spread across Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street sites and is free to view. No booking is required for this event.

Students on the University’s Creative Expressive Therapies course will be showcasing their work in an exhibition called Statement as Image between Monday, May 25 and Friday, May 29 at the Britannia Mill site.

Film students will also be playing a part in the final year shows with a special film premiere at Quad on Monday, June 1.

The event, called Indie Exposure, showcases the best work from graduating Film Production students and will premiere a series of short films. The 50-minute screening will be followed by a student talk and Q&A session.

The final part of the Big Show is the University’s high-profile Fashion Show, taking place at Derby Theatre on Wednesday June 3.  

This production, which will see both a matinee and evening performance, presents the innovative collections of final-year, award-winning students.

The collections are worn by professional models and the show features an exciting light show and loud vibrant music.

Among the student collections this year will be Nicole Wells, winner of the prestigious St Andrews Young Designer Awards 2015.

Professor Huw Davies, Dean of the College of Arts, said: “The College of Arts has had a fantastic year so far with Guardian League table results that have seen us in the top 10 UK rankings in fashion and textiles and art and design.

“Our final year show is a fantastic celebration of our students’ achievements, where our Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill sites become a thriving hub of visual art, design, textiles and photography.

“Visitors to the show will see professional and inspirational creative work that demonstrates the depth and innovation of our students and showcasing our UK leading courses and facilities.”