Students from Liverpool Hope University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts showcased their artistic talent at the launch of the 2023 Degree Show.
The annual event, which is held at the Creative Campus, celebrates the work of final-year students from the Fine Art, Film and Visual Culture, and Graphic Design courses.
The 2023 edition, entitled Everything Must Go, opened on Friday 9 June with a private viewing which welcomed representatives from leading cultural organisations from Liverpool and beyond.
Among those in attendance were Georgina Dhillon, founder of London’s Zari Gallery, Simon Ryder of Liverpool Book Art and Cass Art Store, which has been based in Liverpool city centre since 1984.
Several awards recognising the work of students who have demonstrated exceptional talent were presented as part of the opening night celebrations.
This included the Simon Ryder Residency Award, which provides the winner with six months of funding to develop their creative practice, and the Liverpool Hope University Carter Preston Foundation Bursary Award.
Named after a local sculpture, designer and printmaker, this prize offers three £1,000 bursaries and the opportunity to receive 12-months of mentoring and support with professional development from university staff.
Liverpool student, Niamh Tam, was successful in both of these categories and reflected on her achievements with pride.
“I’m proud because I have worked so hard this past year,” she said.
“The Degree Show is so important. It is something work up to from first year and to be displaying here is an achievement in itself.
“It feels amazing to have won two awards. I didn’t expect this at all and it is the biggest advantage when you are starting an art career.
“To have the support, mentorship, studio space and also the funding for materials and to create artwork is just amazing.”
Stephen Davismoon, Dean of the School of Creative and Performing Arts, added: “This year, as is the case every year, the Degree Show highlights our students’ creative excellence.
“I congratulate every student that is exhibiting work as part of the show. They should all feel so proud.”
The Degree Show exhibition is open to students, staff and members of the public from 10am – 4pm until Sunday 18 June.
View photos from the opening night.
2023 Degree Show Prize Winners
Cass Art Awards - Presented by Michelle Storm, Cass Art Store Manager
- Winner – Katy Evans, Fine Art
- Runner-up – Varsha Manglam, Fine Art
- Runner-up – Sarah Delaney, Fine Art
Zari Gallery Exhibition Award – Presented by Georgina Dhillon, Zari Gallery
- Aikaterini Pitikari, Fine Art
- Sarah Delaney, Fine Art
- Varsha Manglam, Fine Art
Pete Cummings Award – Presented Flis Cummings
- Li Licardo, Fine Art
Simon Ryder Residency Award – Presented by Simon Ryder
- Niamh Tam, Fine Art
Liverpool Hope Carter Preston Foundation Bursaries – Presented by Lynn Hilditch, Subject Lead for Fine Art and Design
- Niamh Tam, Fine Art
- Craig Whitfield, Fine Art
- Varsha Manglam, Fine Art
Abacus Resources Award – Presented by Professor Claire Ozanne, Liverpool Hope University Vice-Chancellor
- Katy Evans, Fine Art
Liverpool Hope University Art Collection Purchase Prize- Presented by Professor Claire Ozanne, Liverpool Hope University Vice-Chancellor
- Abby Gregory, Fine Art
- Imogen Birkby, Fine Art