Published: 11.04.08

31 May - 5 June at Grand Parade

Over 500 graduating students from the University of Brighton are set to showcase their work at the acclaimed Burt Brill & Cardens Graduate Show 2008. An annual highlight of the arts calendar for the south, the renowned Faculty of Arts and Architecture is transformed into a massive gallery showcasing work in a staggering range of media and subject areas from 25 courses.

An artistic celebration attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the graduate show is accompanied by a bumper programme of activities in the university garden including: the much talked about Graduate Fashion Show on Saturday 31 May; a Family Day with the return of the hugely popular Big Knit where novices and pros come together with their knitting needles on Sunday 1 June.

The University of Brighton prides itself on producing some of the UK's most talented artists and designers. Past graduates include legendary Biba designer, Barbara Hulanicki and Turner Prize-winners Keith Tyson and Rachel Whiteread. Fashion graduate Julien Macdonald was voted British Designer of the Year 2001 and Gresham Blake has become modish tailor to style-conscious stars and listed in Time Out as one of Brighton's new wave of entrepreneurs. Keren Craig has also had outstanding success as one half of fashion duo Marchesa, the British couture label and must-have brand among Hollywood celebrities.

The graduate show provides an ideal opportunity to discover the next generation of budding artists, where the public can explore exhibits, commission artwork or build an art collection from students before they become stars. There are also special pre-booked art tours organised for local schools during the week - a great way to inspire young people about a career in the creative industries.

Fashion and textiles student Helena Dunn will use zips and seams graphically and decoratively against delicate wool jerseys, silks and hardwearing denims in her womenswear collection. Her sophisticated conceptual approach to dress design takes inspiration from her nine-month work placement with Hussein Chalayan.

The School of Architecture will unveil innovative new trends in building design in the extensive show of drawings and models. Designs will include those of Sheena Haurdhan, who explores the design of living accommodation on the moon to support engineers maintaining a nuclear power station.

The ever-popular Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics course adds yet another dimension to this exhibition of fresh talent. See Japanese-inspired stop-frame animations exploring elements of surprise with intricate wooden and paper props by Elizabeth Thomas (pictured above), while Thomas Forsyth's mischievous connecting toys will challenge preconceptions towards rules within adulthood play.

For more information, call the University of Brighton Press Office on 01273 644756.
Ticket office 01273 644099.

Notes to editors:

1. Burt Brill & Cardens Graduate Show is FREE and takes place at University of Brighton, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY from Saturday 31 May – Thursday 5 June 2008. Opening times: Sat and Sun 12noon - 6pm, Mon/Tue/Wed 10am - 8pm, Thu 10am – 4pm. Tickets not required.
2. Students' Awards: Fri 30 May 2008, 7.30pm. Tickets required. 
3. The Fashion Show: Sat 31 May 2008 – doors 8.30pm, start time 9pm. Tickets £10.
4. Please contact the University of Brighton for all tickets: 01273 644099.
5. Burt Brill & Cardens solicitors are the major sponsors of the University of Brighton Graduate Show.
6. School of Architecture and Design: Architecture; Diploma in Architectural Design; Fashion Design; Fashion Textiles; Interior Architecture; 3D Design; MA in Interior Design; PG Diploma in Architecture; MA Architectural Studies; Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics.
7. School of Arts and Communication: Critical Fine Art Practice; Digital Music; Editorial Photography; Fine Art Painting; Fine Art Printmaking; Fine Art Sculpture; Graphic Design; Illustration; Performance and Visual Art Music/Dance/Theatre.
8. School of Historical and Critical Studies: History of Decorative Arts and Crafts; History of Design, Culture and Society; Visual Culture.