175 Years of Design: Takeaways from Belfast School of Art’s Anniversary Show.
By Clara Potts. Photography by Darren Kidd. Hair by Andrew Mulvenna. Make-Up by Samantha Weightman.
In a celebration of artistic legacy and innovation, Belfast School of Art (BSOA) had its 175th-anniversary show on Thursday, 30th May. Established in 1849, it exists as the oldest provider of design education on the island of Ireland and one of the oldest creative art schools in the UK.
Set against the backdrop of a rich historical tradition, the show highlighted the individual artistic journeys of its students and showcased the institution’s pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Belfast and beyond. This milestone event fused a diverse array of works from forty-one talented students, each demonstrating the school’s enduring commitment to creativity and excellence.
The audience observed a vibrant runway that featured sustainable art practices, a bold embrace and reflections on identity and heritage, innovative uses of traditional techniques, and a dynamic fusion of global and local artistic influences. These themes showcased the students’ ingenuity and highlighted contemporary art’s evolving landscape, a testament to the school’s enduring spirit and promising future.
Keep reading to see the five takeaways and six designers to watch from last week’s show.