Made in Carlisle | artists celebrated at university degree show

The university’s Institute of Education, Arts & Society is welcoming visitors to its undergraduate degree show 2026, Made in Carlisle.

Across the University of Cumbria’s Brampton Road campus in Carlisle, studio spaces have been transformed into exhibition galleries that are free and open for all visitors to tour.

Made in Carlisle showcases the work of over 60 final year students from across a range of areas including Film & Television, Fine Art, Games Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Wildlife Media. They will be graduating later this year.

The annual Degree Show provides a platform for emerging artists to present their innovative ideas and unique perspectives and celebrates the creative achievements of this latest cohort of final year students. Similar events have already taken place recently for students in their first and second years.

The upcoming Made in Carlisle exhibition provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to see some of the best up and coming talent in the region. The exhibition not only highlights the students' technical skills but also delves into the deeper meanings and concepts behind their artworks, sparking conversations and inspiring new ideas.

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, Dean of the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts & Society, said: “We are delighted to showcase our students’ work and recognise their achievements at such an important milestone. The Degree Show represents both culmination and new beginnings, as graduates move into creative careers, establish freelance practices, or develop their own artistic ventures. They are fully equipped to apply their talents in ways that enrich communities, drive innovation, and contribute to the creative economy, while demonstrating the value of investing in arts education.”

For the first time, arts educators from across the North West are also invited to a VIP event during the degree show. The informal networking event on Friday 5 June (4pm-6pm) will support educators to discover practical ways to help their own students build strong, compelling portfolios for university applications.

This year’s graduating artists include:

Dawn McCall who relocated from Lincoln to Cumbria to study BA Wildlife Media which combines biodiversity and conservation skills together with wildlife photography and filmmaking in scenic Cumbria.

In 2025 Dawn won the University of Cumbria Student's Union 'Leadership Award' for her management of The Wildlife Society as Chair of the Committee, in recognition of her contribution to campus community, leading activities such as walks and workshops for peers across year groups and courses. 

Joining the university to learn media skills and further develop her interest in the natural world, Dawn is now an accomplished media practitioner adding advanced filmmaking, photography and digital skills to her impressive creative artist toolkit. 

Her tutors state: “Dawn’s degree show display is exceptional and the standard of presentation you would expect to see at a professional gallery or museum.  We know Dawn will continue to be successful with her combination of creativity, talent and dedication.”

Frazer Rollings, from Leeds, has been a student on the BA (Hons) Photography programme and has enjoyed the sense of community among his cohort and tutors.

He said: “My passions in photography have been focussed on outdoor environments and the precious uplands of Cumbria. It is a special location to study, when the geography of a place aligns with what you love.

Being a creative and environmentally aware, there really is no other place like it.

The tutors here value everyone’s voices and interests and it feels great to be seen and heard.”

Speaking about how his practice has developed during his time on the photography degree course, Frazer said: “My final year practice has explored themes of conservation, collaboration and caring about landscapes that are dear to my heart.

“From the upland fells of the Lake District to the fragile sand dunes of Lancashire, I’ve used photography to document and investigate what is being done to preserve and protect natural habitats and environments.

“Working with volunteer groups has inspired me and highlighted them as essential partners looking after the land. Building trust and relations with organisations over time has been very beneficial and added a professional confidence to what I do”.

Amelia Pattinson is a Carlisle born artist who is passionate about exploring the human condition through her art. She chose to study Fine Art at the University of Cumbria in order to develop her skills and creativity provided by the specialist teaching and facilities. Her goal is to pursue a Master’s degree to further her exploration of immersive installation and sculpture.

A Made in Carlisle preview event for invited guests, family and friends will take place from 4pm on Friday 29 May 2026.  The show runs from Monday 01 until Friday 05 June, open 10am-4pm daily for visitors.

The exhibition closes with an open day and family viewing on the campus on Saturday 06 June, 10am-3pm.

Those unable to attend Made in Carlisle in person can enjoy the final year students’ work online – https://uocdegreeshow.uk

Those interesting in attending the VIP Arts Educators networking event on Friday 5 June, 4pm-6pm, can sign up by emailing  enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk