Arts Degree Show Features Prize Winner

Arts students at the University of Suffolk are putting the finishing touches to preparations for their end of year show which will be open to the public later this month.

Final year students will be showing their work at the 2024 Arts Degree Show which is the culmination of the degree courses in architecture, digital film production, fine art, graphic design, graphic illustration and photography.

One of the students showing her artwork is Leila Hussain, who is celebrating after being names as one of the winners of the national Freelands Painting Prize 2024.

Leila, a BA (Hons) Fine Art student, is one of 11 students across the country to be award the prize from the Freelands Foundation which supports and celebrates emerging artists and exhibits their work. Her work will be exhibited in a show in London in the autumn.

Leila, who works primarily with oil on canvas, said: “I found out I’d won via email and am extremely happy and excited about it. I also have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as a painter.”

Jane Watt, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at the University nominated Leila for the award and said: “Leila consistently strives to bring a fresh viewpoint to the tradition of portrait painting.

“Her quiet confidence as an emerging artist is striking and evident in her work.”

This year’s Arts Degree Show will be held in the Arts Building at the University’s Ipswich campus from 21 to 28 June.

As part of the Arts Degree Show, digital film production students will be holding a showcase event of their work at the King Street Cinema, part of the Corn Exchange in Ipswich on 19 June from 6pm.

Their work includes both drama and documentaries and explores a variety of themes and subjects.

“Professor Stuart Harmer, Dean of the School of Technology, Business and Arts said: “This show is a highlight of the year and celebrates the talent of our students.

“The show is open to the public to come and see what our students produce on our art and design courses here at the University of Suffolk.”

Nigel Ball, Head of Arts added: "Once again the Arts Degree Show is upon us, and once again students have been working hard to make this one of the most exciting visual arts exhibitions in town.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to come and see work from across the disciplines of architecture, film, fine art, graphic design, illustration and photography, all within the University's Arts Building."

Opening times for the public are 10am to 4pm Friday 21 and Monday 24 to Friday 28 June, 11am to 3pm on Saturday 22 June.

For more information about the school of Technology, Business and Arts go to School of Technology, Business and Arts | University of Suffolk (uos.ac.uk)