Free university art and design exhibition open to public in Luton

Lutonians are being invited to explore everything from short films and photography to fashion and immersive design as the University of Bedfordshire’s annual Creative Industries Degree Show opens to the public this week.

The exhibition, titled “Origins”, is being held at the university’s Alexon Building in Guildford Street and showcases the final projects of students studying creative subjects across the School of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries.

Open now until Friday May 22 between 10am and 5pm, the free exhibition features work spanning graphic design, photography, animation, film, interior architecture and fashion design, with visitors able to meet some of the students behind the projects.

Among the displays is “The Rattle” by photography student Rostyslav Artiukh, which explores youth and street culture through images of urban life and the marks people leave behind across the city landscape.

He said: “My experience at the University of Bedfordshire has been incredibly inspiring. The course pushed me beyond expectations, resulting in a journey that helped me grow as an artist and photographer.”

Another featured project is “The Liminal Aquarium” by Graphic Design & Animation student Shaima Gul Shafi, inspired by liminal spaces and designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia, calmness and dream-like uncertainty.

Visitors can also watch “Kingdom of Fools”, a short animated film by student Aimee Barosso. The project follows a chaotic jester queen named Scaramouche as her colourful kingdom clashes with a rival world obsessed with perfection.

The show is designed not only to celebrate student talent but also to give the public the chance to experience a wide variety of emerging creative work in one space. Alongside the exhibition itself, visitors will be able to speak directly with students about the ideas and processes behind their projects.

The degree show forms part of the university’s wider focus on giving students professional experience by presenting work publicly and engaging with potential employers and audiences before graduating.