Value of Art and Design Education Highlighted at NCAD Graduate Exhibitions

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The value of art and design education should not be underestimated in the creation of new interactions between cultural, social and economic capital in Ireland and elsewhere. That’s according to Professor Declan McGonagle, Director of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) who was speaking in advance of the College’s 2015 Graduate Exhibitions.

“The creativities that are developed in art and design are increasingly in demand and are recognized as hugely valuable beyond the art and design sector. It is interesting to see how all sectors are now seeking those creativities whether in the traditional aspects of the cultural sector, or in social and economic settings.

The skills that are sought after – of production, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and communications are inherent in art and design education and practice. In this context, NCAD students – the artists and designers of the future - deliver challenging, relevant, versatile and innovative work of the highest and standard, is clearly visible in this year’s Graduate Exhibitions.”

The Exhibitions across NCAD’s extensive programmes in Design, Fine Art, Teacher Education and Visual Culture are taking place during the Irish Design Year in 2015. Postgraduate students will exhibit their work in a range of venues in Dublin 8 with the formers Frawleys Department store at the centre.

The Graduate Exhibitions represent an annual opportunity to showcase the creative identities of students as they move from NCAD to the world of work beyond College. There is also an opportunity for potential clients, collectors, employers and other innovators, as well as the general public to see the best in art and design at its early stages of development.

2015 Graduate Exhibitions
Works in the Graduate Exhibitions range from painting and fine art media to product design and textile surface design.  The projects featured in the graduate exhibitions ranges from a huge sculptural water based installation, to how we use social media to shape our identities, a project exploring second-generation emigration with the emphasis on mother-daughter relations, as well as a series of paintings exploring superstition and folklore.

The 2015 Graduate Exhibitions will open to the public on Friday 12th June at 6 pm. The exhibitions will run until Sunday 21st June across NCAD’s campus at 100 Thomas Street, adjoining John Street West building, former Frawleys at 35 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Emmet House, James’s Street and Steambox Gallery on School Street. Admission is free and all are welcome. Click here for opening hours and further information.

Contact: Sarah Harte / Emily Brennan, DHR Communications, Tel: 01-4200580 / 087-9858259 / 086 1658629