The University of Cumbria Institute of Arts is throwing open its doors to welcome visitors to enjoy the work of its final year students.
Undergraduate degree show Reconnect will exhibit the work of this year’s 96 final year students from across a range of areas including film and television, fine art, games design, graphic design, illustration, photography and wildlife media.
Reconnect runs from Monday June 6 until Friday June 10 and is open from 10am to 4pm daily at the university’s Brampton Road campus, home to the Institute of Arts.
A private view event for invited guests, family and friends takes place on the evening of Friday June 10, before a university open day and family viewing at the Brampton Road campus on Saturday June 11, from 10am to 2pm.
Photography student Freya Kelly is among the 96 students exhibiting their work.
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 the dogs, inviting viewers to focus on the temperament and character of each individual animal, rather than being swayed by appearance.
She says she is dedicated to educating the public about the challenges of adopting an animal and wider animal care issues, as well as the joy and sense of fulfilment that comes 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.”
Sarah Bonner, principal lecturer for the Institute of the Arts, 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 practised 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.”
Reconnect is free to attend and open to visitors.
Those unable to attend Reconnect in person can enjoy the final year students’ work online – http://uocdegreeshow.uk/index.html
