WILTSHIRE College & University Centre has been buzzing with creativity this month as students from across the campuses showcased their final projects in a series of vibrant end-of-year art exhibitions.
Held at our Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury campuses, the exhibitions drew in approximately 1,400 guests, including friends, family, local employers, creative professionals and community partners – all keen to see the incredible work produced by students across a wide range of creative disciplines.
From striking visual art to thought-provoking design and fashion pieces, the shows explored powerful themes, including identity, mental health, politics and personal expression.
“These exhibitions are all about celebrating the achievements of our students at the end of the academic year,” said Owain Milford, Head of Faculty for Creative Arts, Media & Performance.
“They put so much into their final pieces, and it’s fantastic to be able to showcase them not just to friends and family, but to local employers and industry partners too. The standard is incredibly high, and there’s always such a buzz around these events.”
“These exhibitions are a great way to mark the end of the year and celebrate the journey our students have been on,” Owain added. “Many are progressing to top creative universities and careers in the arts, and the quality of work on display really reflects the level of talent and ambition we have here at the college.”
19-year-old Foundation Art and Design student Annabelle Douch, from Bath, used her project to explore themes of femininity, sexualisation and emotional stress, working with the colour white to express purity and vulnerability.
“I’ve been into fashion for about four years,” she said. “I want to specialise in bridalwear, and I’m heading to Leicester to study Contour Fashion. It was really special to have my mum and my old sixth form art teacher come to the show – she inspired me to pursue art.”
For fellow Foundation Art and Design student Alex Borris-Oliveira, 19, from Frome, the project offered a personal reflection on immigration and cultural identity. “I looked at how government policy has shaped immigration in the UK, especially how alienating some of it has been historically – and still is today. As an immigrant myself, I wanted to celebrate the contributions of immigrants to our society.”
Alex’s mum and sister, both Polish immigrants, attended the exhibition and were moved by the message behind his work. Alex is now progressing to Central Saint Martins in London to study Graphic Communication Design. “This one-year course at WCUC was a bit of a last-ditch effort,” he said, “but it really worked out. I’ve found a real passion.”
The shows also included a successful fashion show, with enthusiastic crowds and lots of positive feedback from attendees. “There’s a huge amount of work that goes into making this all happen,” said Owain. “Both students and staff go above and beyond to make it a success – and the results speak for themselves.”
With creative work on display from across the college’s art and design provision, the exhibitions offered an inspiring glimpse into the imagination, talent and ambition of the next generation of creatives.
Take a closer look – explore the creativity on display in our photo galleries from each of our exhibitions.
Trowbridge Art Exhibition
Salisbury Art Exhibition
Chippenham Art Exhibition
Thinking about a creative future? Discover our courses in art, design and fashion.
