Case studies: CMYK Industry Engagement Case Study Pack

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

Creating Creative Connections: Bringing students, industry, and the public together through print.

Creating Creative Connections Through Print

Every year CMYK transforms Hereford College of Arts into a vibrant Festival of Print, bringing together students, alumni, creative professionals, and the public to celebrate contemporary print, illustration, graphic communication, and creative practice.

Unlike a traditional industry project, CMYK creates an environment where students learn experientially, alongside practising designers, illustrators, photographers and printmakers. Through exhibitions, talks, workshops and live demonstrations, students exhibit, curate exhibitions, and sell their work to public audiences, while building valuable relationships with industry professionals and alumni, and experiencing what it means to be part of a thriving creative community.

The festival is led by HCA and involves multiple courses working collaboratively to create a vibrant showcase and programme of events that extends beyond the curriculum. Students develop skills in exhibition curation, event organisation and marketing, networking, and professional communication while experiencing how creative communities come together around shared interests and practice.

For many students, CMYK is an opportunity to experience themselves as creative professionals, exhibiting work alongside established practitioners and engaging in conversations that continue beyond the festival itself.

CMYK demonstrates HCA's commitment to building creative communities and preparing students for professional practice through authentic public engagement and a belief that strong industry engagement begins by creating the opportunities that bring industry, alumni, students, and the public together in one place.

CMYK creates opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Nicholas Stevenson

The festival brings industry into the College while taking students into the wider creative community.
Nicholas Stevenson

Students aren't just exhibiting – they're participating in a professional creative network.
Nicholas Stevenson

It creates conversations that continue long after the festival finishes.
Nicholas Stevenson

CMYK celebrates print while building professional relationships.
Nicholas Stevenson

Students begin to see themselves as practising creatives.
Nicholas Stevenson

The festival connects education, industry and the public in one shared space.
Nicholas Stevenson

Alumni return not just to visit, but to contribute.
Nicholas Stevenson

CMYK is a platform for collaboration rather than simply an exhibition.
Nicholas Stevenson

The event reflects the strength of HCA's creative community.
Nicholas Stevenson

Quick Details

Industry Activity	CMYK Festival of Print
Course	BA (Hons) Illustration, BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation, BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design, BA (Hons) Photography, BA (Hons) Fine Art, Foundation Diploma Art & Design
Industry Engagement Type	Industry-facing Festival
Partnership Length	7yrs (since 2019)
Project Type	HCA-led industry-facing festival

Industry Activity	Course	Industry Engagement Type	Partnership Length	Project Type
CMYK Festival of Print	BA (Hons) Illustration, BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation, BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design, BA (Hons) Photography, BA (Hons) Fine Art, Foundation Diploma Art & Design	Industry-facing Festival	7yrs (since 2019)	HCA-led industry-facing festival

Project Themes

Print
Graphic communication
Creative collaboration
Public engagement
Professional networking

Students Develop

Exhibition curation
Event management
Collaboration
Networking
Public engagement
Professional communication
Confidence
Portfolio presentation
Creative identity

Professional Context

Public-facing creative festival
Multi-course collaboration
Alumni engagement
Visiting creative professionals
Talks and workshops
Live exhibitions
Regional creative network

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