Leeds has proud tradition as both a strong university city and a creative hub. One institution that has helped make this so, and continues to embody those traits, is Leeds Arts University. Established in 1846 and evolving from Leeds School of Art and Leeds College of Art, Leeds Arts University has a long and illustrious alumni, and now attracts talented artists from the local area and across the world to their courses.
Every year, Leeds Arts University showcases the work of their graduating students in a fabulous exhibition at Blenheim Walk. After two years when this has not been possible due to the pandemic, the end of year show returns with excitement this June, and its name says it all: the Big Big Big Show 2022.
Illustration student Guy Parsons designed the branding, and describes the idea: “Most of us exhibiting in this year’s show have never experienced an end of year exhibition at Leeds Arts University before. Pair that with the fact this is the first in-person show for three years, this one feels big. My rationale behind the wording and design is very simple, for us being able to hold this show means a lot to everyone involved.”
Featuring works of contemporary art, animation, illustration, graphic design, film, fashion, textiles, creative advertising, music, photography and writing, from across fifteen undergraduate courses, there is an array of eclectic excellence to explore. The undergraduate show will also feature a catwalk event, a live concert and an art market, all created by students of art, fashion and music, for visitors to discover, enjoy and purchase.
And as if all that’s not enough, elsewhere at the Vernon Street campus, students from across the University’s further education courses will also be showcasing their work from the 6th to 11th of June. After two years away, the whole event is a wonderful celebration of the art that this city, the University, and these students produce, and they are rightly proud, as Professor Simone Wonnacott, Vice-Chancellor, explains:
“We are delighted to be able to showcase our students’ work in person this year. It has been a challenging few years for our graduating students but we are all incredibly proud of how they have been able to adapt to an ever-changing situation. The work on show is testament to their commitment and innovation and we can’t wait for a live audience to see it.”
To do just that and see it for yourself, head down to Blenheim Walk from the 7th to 11th of June 2022.
Images: Amelia Cook, Kayleigh Watson, Edward Gao, Hattie Barnes, Max Lambert
