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Design to Sell 2025: Young artists’ pop-up market returns to Plymouth
Friday, 14 November, 2025 — Design to Sell - a festive pop-up market by Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree students, 27 November at Palace Court.
Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree students (aged 16 to 19) will host Design to Sell 2025 at the end of November, a two-day pop-up shop of original artwork, prints, textiles, fashion, photography and craft at their dedicated Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre, Palace Court, Buckwell Street, PL1 2DA.
<p>The annual event gives young creatives real-world experience of presenting and selling their work to the public, building enterprise skills and confidence while offering visitors unique, handmade gifts for the festive season.</p>
<ul><li><p dir="ltr"><strong>Private view:</strong> Wednesday 26 November 2025, 5pm–7pm (invite-only or open to friends & family)<br /><strong>Public opening:</strong> Thursday 27 November 2025, 10am–3pm</p></li><li><p dir="ltr"><strong>Venue:</strong> Palace Court, Arts University Plymouth, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA (city-centre Pre-Degree & Sixth form centre)</p></li><li><p dir="ltr"><strong>Entry:</strong> Free</p></li><li><p dir="ltr"><strong>Payment:</strong> Cash ONLY</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Now a hallmark of Plymouth’s cultural calendar, <strong>Design to Sell</strong> brings the work of young artists into the heart of Britain’s Ocean City. Visitors can browse one-off and limited-edition pieces created across <strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Creative Practice</strong> pathways, including <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design">Art & Design</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-fashion-textiles">Fashion & Textiles</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-photography">Photography</a>, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-famp">Filmmaking & Media Production</a>, and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga">Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">From beautifully made prints, cards, and zines to ceramics and small-batch craft, garments and accessories, illustration and photography, Design to Sell showcases the creativity, care, and sustainable mindset of students making and learning in the city centre.<br /></p>
Now in its 26th year, Design to Sell is a vibrant celebration of creativity and enterprise. It gives 16–19-year-olds the chance to showcase their talents, price and sell their own work, and feel the buzz of a real marketplace. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their time with us, where everything they’ve learned comes to life. And they see themselves for the first time as a creative professional.
Steven Forsyth, Head of Pre-Degree
<p dir="ltr">The project is a live learning opportunity that brings classroom skills into a real marketplace. Students plan, price, promote, and present their work, gaining experience in customer service, teamwork, and communication alongside their studio practice. In 2025, <strong>40% of UAL Level 3 </strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree"><strong>Extended Diploma</strong></a><strong> students <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/pre-degree-results-clearing-2025">achieved a Distinction</a> (equivalent to three A*s at A-level or 168 UCAS points)</strong>. This is <strong>above the national benchmark</strong> and higher than 2024 and 2023, signalling a sustained upward trend for Arts University Plymouth students. In addition, <strong>72% of Extended Diploma students intend to progress into higher education</strong>. This focus on creative excellence and employability is reflected in the professionalism on show at Design to Sell.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Maddy Blyth,</strong> <strong>Assistant Head of Pre-Degree, said:</strong> “As the festive season approaches, Design to Sell brings fresh ideas and beautifully made gifts to the city centre. Visitors can discover original work, meet the makers and support local young talent, all in one place.”<br /></p>
<p>Palace Court is a short walk from the Barbican Waterfront and well placed for city-centre transport links. If you’re travelling from outside Plymouth, the city is well connected by rail and coach.<br /></p>
<p>Arts University Plymouth is a specialist arts university with a national reputation for student experience and teaching. The university’s dedicated Pre-Degree & Sixth Form Centre at Palace Court is designed for creative study after GCSEs. With specialist studios and workshops, learners develop technical skill, creative confidence, and the professional behaviours valued by employers and universities.</p>
<p>Design to Sell is Arts University Plymouth’s annual pop-up shop where Pre-Degree students, aged 16 to 19, sell their own creative work — from art and prints to textiles, fashion, photography and craft.</p>
<p>The event takes place on Wednesday 26 (invite only) and Thursday 27 November 2025 at Palace Court, Arts University Plymouth’s Pre-Degree campus on Buckwell Street, Plymouth.</p>
<p>Yes. There’s a private view for friends and family on Wednesday 26 November (5pm–7pm), and the public can visit on Thursday 27 November from 10am–3pm.</p>
<p>No — entry is free for everyone.</p>
<p>Expect unique and limited-edition pieces across art, design, fashion, textiles, photography, graphics, illustration, and craft — all made by students on the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice.</p>
<p>Payments are cash only, so please bring cash if you plan to buy.</p>
<p>Design to Sell gives students real-world experience in marketing, pricing and selling their work, helping them develop confidence, teamwork and professional skills valued by universities and employers.</p>
<p>Palace Court is in Plymouth city centre, within walking distance of the Barbican Waterfront and near public transport links, making it easy to reach by bus, train or coach.</p>
