News | Friday, 14th June 2019

Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2019: Everything Starts From Something

Exhibition takes place until Wednesday, June 19

The annual Manchester School of Art Degree Show celebrates the achievements and talents of final-year undergraduate students and is open until Wednesday, June 19, for staff, students and members of the public to enjoy.

The show features work from more than 1,000 students and includes everything from architecture and ceramics, to filmmaking and textiles.

Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle also attended the opening night, spending time with students and admiring the work. Danny is also part of the University’s upcoming School of Digital Arts as part of its industry advisory board.

The exhibition regularly attracts 10,000 people to the campus each year, including external partners in the city, school groups and art enthusiasts wanting to spot the next big artist.

Each year, Manchester School of Art approaches an alumni to produce the identity for the Degree Show, and this year, David Sedgwick, 2001 Graphic Design graduate, celebrates artists’ first endeavours with the theme ‘Everything Starts From Something’.

Penny Macbeth, Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Manchester School of Art, said: “Whilst the Degree Show marks the end of our students’ time with us, it also marks the beginning of their next creative journey – this is a key moment in their careers and we hope people can join us to explore the huge amount of work on show.

“The Manchester School of Art was established in 1838 to provide design training to the manufacturing industry and I'm proud that today we continue to educate students who go on to contribute to our thriving city.

“I would also like to thank David Sedgwick who has created our identity this year. The identity he has created celebrates and includes some of our students' first-ever pieces of work from their childhood. I loved the concept of the identity, as it also recognises that everything you see at this show starts years earlier at home and in school.

“This Degree Show is a celebration of the hard work of our graduates, not just during their degree, but in the years leading up to joining the School of Art.”

Imogen Ellerby Sansom, Interactive Arts student, created ‘Clandestine’, the giant legs located in the Benzie reception.

She said: “It's really hard putting this feeling into words – I'm overwhelmed at the response to my work. My time has been so consumed with the creation of Clandestine that I never had a chance to think about people’s responses.

“I can't help but smile when I hear people talk about it – the other day a stranger told me she was proud of me and that my work put a smile on her face. That’s all I can ask for: emotional responses, conversations and genuine engagement with the subject. All the hard work finally feels worth it and that is purely down to everyone’s positive comments.”

The 2019 Degree Show is open until Wednesday, June 19 (6:00pm) and is free to attend.

You can find out more information about the show, as well as explore our student artists profiles on the Degree Show website.