A first glimpse at the next generation of creative talent
Hereford College of Arts proudly presents The Degree Show 2023.
Held at our College Road Campus, this week-long event unveils the remarkable final projects crafted by our graduating class of 2023. Be captivated by an awe-inspiring display spanning 11 diverse degree subjects, introducing the next wave of talented and ambitious artists. Join us in celebrating the boundless creativity and promising future of these aspiring visionaries.
Degree Show Private View
Friday 9th June 2023
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
VIP entry 5.15pm. Friends and family entry 6pm
Degree Show Open to Public
Saturday 10th - 17th June 2023
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
(Open 10am - 4pm)
Degree Show Quiet Hours
Sunday 11th June 2023
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
10am - 4pm
Late Night Opening
Tuesday 13th June 10am - 7pm
Thursday 15th June 10am - 7pm
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
Alumni Day
Saturday 10th June 2023
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
2pm - 4pm
Creative Family Day
Saturday 17th June 2023
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
10am - 4pm
Performing Arts presents - My Romantic History
7th June 2023, 1pm
8th June 2023, 6pm
College Road Campus, HR1 1EB
A word from our Principal
Abigail Appleton
“It is with immense pride that I invite you to this year’s end of course shows. From college level to The Degree Show, HCA’s summer exhibitions are a testament to student creativity, adaptability and determination. Through their academic journeys they have developed as individuals, creatives and future professionals. We are delighted to share their work with you and hope you will visit to help celebrate and be inspired by their talent and achievement.”
Courses exhibiting at the HCA Degree Show
Discover a course that prides itself on challenging preconceptions about historical traditions of blacksmithing.
This course places artist blacksmithing at the heart of contemporary craft practice.
The role of craft is continually evolving. As society rethinks our relationship with the planet and the impact of throwaway culture, the origin, quality and meaning of objects in our lives have never been more significant. Be part of the crafts resurgence that is committed to shaping a better future. Develop a personally sustainable practice, rooted in material understanding, drawing the best of the past but passionate for innovation. Think with your hands as well as your brain.
The world needs fine art thinkers more than ever before.
The ability to see the world through a unique filter, and then express and communicate this to others is vital in this time of change. It can potentially influence our culture, our mental well-being, politics, and even the economy.
During your time on our BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design course, you’ll become a professional Graphic Designer learning from industry experienced lecturers. We will support you in gaining work experience with local and national creative media companies, as well as giving you the opportunity to work with professional designers and live clients.
Illustration is an important part of our visual heritage and culture. From childhood and throughout our lives, illustration helps us all make sense of a complicated world. It is a communication tool that entertains, describes, inspires, explains and educates.
The huge growth in our consumption of media on small-screen mobile devices is changing the landscape for visual content creators. Programme makers and advertisers are hungry for imaginative, entertaining work, especially moving-image and animation. This course responds to this demand and embraces the natural link between illustration and animation.
The adornment of the human body with objects, and use of jewellery can be traced back millennia. It carries many meanings, and answers profound and enduring needs to express personality and individuality. In a changing world we know this ancient desire for self-expression will remain. Develop your own creative identity and help others realise theirs through this practice-based course.
Let’s prepare you to step into the performing arts industry.
Actively create, make and perform your own work, as well as collaborate with students from other courses across the arts school – these are all things you will get to do whilst in the process of improving and building your techniques and skills to a high standard on our Performing Arts course.
Photography is universal with a trillion pictures now taken round the globe a year. It has an importance to individuals, groups and businesses like no other art form, capturing stories, representing dreams, driving political change, promoting ideas and brands. Professional photography, that stands out in this age of the image, is at a premium in a host of different sectors.
Textile design plays an important role in fashion and interiors but is also at the cutting-edge of a wide range of other design solutions such as architecture, automotive and bio-materials.
With sustainability and emerging technologies at the heart of contemporary design thinking, it is an exciting time for our students as the role of textiles is re-imagined across many aspects of modern life.
This dynamic Masters programme offers makers, from a wide range of disciplines, an exciting opportunity to advance their individual creative practice. You will be guided through the academic research process to support and develop your practice. Our students can find the process initially daunting but ultimately liberating. This is a course that supports you to find your voice.
2022 Degree Show Featured Graduates
Take a look back at just a few of of last years graduates!
“As a fine artist and illustrator, I am primarily inspired by nature and natural forms. The themes in my work reflect my natural and feminist passions, including women, female empowerment, and flora and fauna.
@studio.lilium.art
“My collection of woven couture samples explores how landscape, architecture and water embodies my passion for nature and desire to travel. ‘Conquer Couture’ represents the beginning of my journey as a designer. I have my own sense of style and have overcome who I thought I was and taken control of the designer I know I am.
@aliciahughesdesigners
“As a young female who loves to play poker, I challenged myself to create a full poker set that goes against the standard visual language of the game. There is a gap in the market for female poker sets, so I created a playable set aimed towards those who want a beautiful, unique, and feminine game that differs to all the poker sets on the market.
@cahayagraphcis
“My work explores the relations between sensuality and intimacy. I decided to do this project as I wanted to challenge myself, I wanted to be able to photograph the female form through the eyes of a female photographer, to allow the photographs to have a sensuality about them by creating this collection.
@daniphotography.studio
“I've walked past this little red door many times, I've often wondered what memories or stories can be told from within. My animation is a simple story of life and memories from within this Little Red Door.
@Sleeepyzz_studios
“Helen is an artist basket maker, creating contemporary and traditional basketry. Her connection with the land and nature is integral to her work. She has a harmonious relationship with her materials embracing their seasonal attributes by working with them around the calendar. Helen produces innovative work that has sensory qualities such as depth, texture, and strength.
@wondersofwillow123 & @mycraftingdegree
“Making accessible objects, with a panache for the fun and exciting but still considered and well made in an industrious manner. Heavily influenced by the brutalist aesthetics of industry. Using collaborative agency and tacit knowledge to produce the desired outcome.
@hambidgeethan
A Taste of HCA Life
10th June – 10am
Open Day
Discover the vibrant world of HCA! Join our open event alongside the Degree Show. Reserve your spot to embark on a guided tour through our workshops and teaching spaces, while our course leaders share firsthand insights into our programs. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring exhibits by the talented 2023 graduates and engage with the creative minds behind them. Don’t miss the chance to explore life and study at HCA firsthand!
Frequently asked questions
Yes we have full disabled access throughout the ground floor of the building and all exhibitions will be contained on the ground floor.
Parking is on site at the College Road Campus.
No, unfortunately not!
We wish we could invite everyone. Unless you have received a personal invite you will have to wait until Saturday to have a look around. It will be then be open until the 17th June
Yes, there is an onsite cafe which will be serving hot, and cold drinks along with a selection of snacks on weekends!
YES! We will have staff members here and available if you can’t make the Open Day, or would like to get a more personal feel for HCA!
https://www.hca.ac.uk/personal-tours
The exhibition features the final project work from over 100 graduating students. Check out some of their incredible work above and follow @HerefordArts for more on Instagram.
YES! Absolutely, 100% Free!
Unless of course you see something that you absolutely must buy. Our students may be open to offers for the final pieces. Speak to them, and they will be more than happy to discuss anything in regards to purchasing work.