Artists celebrated at annual university degree show
The University of Cumbria Institute of Arts is throwing open its doors to welcome visitors to enjoy the work of its final year students.
Reconnect is the Institute’s 2022 undergraduate degree show.
The annual event is a showcase exhibiting the work of this year’s 96 final year students from across a range of areas including Film & Television, Fine Art, Games Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography and Wildlife Media.
The University of Cumbria’s Brampton Road campus, home to the Institute of Arts, transforms its studio spaces into exhibition galleries that are free and open for visitors.
Reconnect runs from Monday 6 June until Friday 10 June and is open 10am-4pm daily.
A private view event for invited guests, family and friends takes place on the evening of Friday 10 June, before a university Open Day and family viewing at the Brampton Road campus on Saturday 11 June, 10am-2pm.
Those unable to attend Reconnect in person can enjoy the final year students’ work online - http://uocdegreeshow.uk/index.html
Principal lecturer, for the Institute of the Arts at the University of Cumbria, Sarah Bonner, said: “the annual Institute of Arts Degree Show is an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase talent, celebrate the culmination of their studies and connect with their audience. The variety of work included in the show speaks to the skills, creativity and endeavour practiced by our students. We are so pleased to share this work publicly and celebrate the success of these students as they progress into their future careers.”
Photography student Freya Kelly is among the 96 students exhibiting their work in Reconnect.
An animal lover and following her own experience of adopting a dog, Freya’s final-year project focuses on promoting the value of rescue dogs, with the aim of assisting every animal in finding their own forever home.
Freya has used a documentary style, in monochrome, to explore the unique personalities of these special canines, inviting viewers to focus on the temperament and character of each individual animal, rather than being swayed by appearance.
Knowing the needs and traits of your dog, before committing to rescue a dog, helps prevent failed matchings and the possibility of rehoming.
Freya is now dedicated to educating the public about the challenges of adopting an animal and wider animal care issues, but more importantly, recognising the joy and sense of fulfilment through welcoming a rescue animal into your life.
She said: “I wanted to give something back to Oak Tree's Animal Charity who cared for our black Labrador Suzie, who we adopted from them in 2019. For the project, I focused primarily on the dogs the trust had slightly more difficulty rehoming, to promote them and help find their forever homes. I aimed to showcase each individual personality and unique character, as opposed to age, breed and general appearance - so I shot the images in a documentary style to let the dog's personalities and eccentricities shine through."
Reconnect is free to attend and open to visitors.
Those interested in studying at the University of Cumbria, including its Institute of Arts, can find out more about the upcoming open day events at https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/events/open-days/
ENDS
Reconnect flyer
Pictured: Freya Kelly
Selected images of dogs in need of their forever homes.
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