In pictures: Undergraduate Graduate Shows 2026 at Arts University Plymouth

<p>The shows celebrate final-year undergraduate work across art, design, craft, fashion, film, photography, animation, illustration, interiors, moving image and more. For visitors, the opening offered a first look at the ideas, materials, stories and research shaping the next generation of creative practice in Plymouth.</p>

<p>Graduate Shows are a moment of transition. They mark the end of undergraduate study, but also the beginning of what comes next: creative careers, freelance practice, postgraduate study, enterprise, collaboration and new public audiences.</p> <p>This year’s exhibitions show the breadth of practice at Arts University Plymouth, from material experimentation and image-making to digital production, spatial design, performance, storytelling and socially engaged work.</p>

<p>The work on show has been developed through studio-based learning, specialist technical support and public-facing creative practice.</p> <p>Arts University Plymouth’s campus includes more than 13,000 square metres of studios, labs and workshops across six buildings, with facilities including Fab Lab South West, the Material Studio, Fabric Studio, Multimedia Studio, Imprint Lab and Fine Print Studio.</p> <p>The campus is also home to Plymouth Arts Cinema and MIRROR, the university’s public gallery for contemporary art, creating opportunities for students to encounter, make and present work in professional creative environments.</p>

<p>The opening follows recent recognition for the university’s student experience. Arts University Plymouth is ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2027.</p> <p>The university was also named Winner for South West England in both Facilities and Student Support at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, marking the third year running that students have recognised Arts University Plymouth in both categories.</p>

<p>Graduate Shows 2026 take place during Arts University Plymouth’s 170th anniversary year. Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, the university has grown into a specialist arts university rooted in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.</p> <p>The anniversary will also be marked this summer at The Box with <em>In the Making: 170 Years of Arts University Plymouth</em>, a free exhibition running from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 4 October 2026.</p>

<p>The Graduate Shows continue next month with the MA Graduate Show 2026, showcasing research-led projects by postgraduate students from Arts University Plymouth.</p> <p>The MA Graduate Show runs from Monday 20 July to Thursday 30 July 2026 at MIRROR and Studio 11, with work across painting, drawing, sculptural installation, moving image, design and ceramics.</p> <p>A Private View takes place on Thursday 23 July from 6pm to 8pm.</p> <p>Find out more at <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/ma-graduate-show-2026">aup.ac.uk/events/ma-graduate-show-2026</a>.</p>