University alumni curate 150-bit exhibition for Arts@60 celebrations

50 University of Cumbria alumni are presenting a total of 150 pieces of artwork in an exhibition curated by two recent graduates to celebrate the six decades of arts education on the Brampton Road campus site.

This comes as Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes, two 2023 fine art graduates, founders of Carlisle’s SoMo and graduates in residence at the university, supported a past and present staff celebration earlier this year.

This initiative reflects on the evolution of the arts and arts education over the last 60 years and how industries of creativity and culture play such an important role in today’s society, economy and community.

The free exhibition is running until Friday 6 December and will be open to the public during this time.

Sophie and Molly (pictured) said:

“We are excited to be showcasing the work of University of Cumbria alumni. With artwork from over 50 alumni, it has been an absolute pleasure to curate this exhibition. The range of artwork on display is truly amazing, and we have graduates from the 1970s, up to 2024.

“The exhibition is up and running on the Brampton Road campus and there is also a current student exhibition open at Intro, on Paternoster Row.

“To have a past and a present student exhibition running alongside one another is really inspiring, and truly shows the range of artwork and talent that comes from students and graduates of the University of Cumbria."

Watch Sophie and Molly talking about the exhibition at their preview event below.

The university’s Director of Institute for Education, Arts and Society, Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer (pictured) said:

“In 1963 we opened the doors of the main building of our Brampton Road campus and since then, have delivered a range of art and design programmes that, over time, have adapted to reflect changing markets. This exhibition showcases the diverse skills and techniques of our staff, from studio based creative disciplines to advanced technologies."

“The university continues to deliver a wide range of art and design programmes that have been adapted to keep in with the needs of current students.

“This exhibition, with student’s artwork who graduated up to 50 years ago, illustrates the talent that has come from our Brampton Road campus across the years.”

• Arts@60 Alumni exhibition, University of Cumbria Vallum Gallery, Brampton Road, Carlisle - weekdays, 10am-4pm until Friday 6 December.
• Arts@60 Student exhibition, University of Cumbria arts students displaying at Intro PR, Paternoster Row, Carlisle 20 November to 30 November

ENDS