This year, 2024, marks the 175th anniversary of the Belfast School of Art (BSoA). The School is the oldest school within Ulster University and its anniversary is therefore a very important milestone for the institution as a whole.
Belfast School of Art was established in 1849 as a School of Design to support the development of much-needed skills for Belfast’s growing industrial base in areas such as textile production and shipbuilding. This makes it the oldest provider of design education on the island of Ireland and one of the oldest creative arts schools in the UK.
Proudly, some of the country’s most prolific artists and designers of the last two centuries have trained here, with Turner prize winners and nominees among its alumni. Indeed, the current Chancellor of the University, Colin Davidson, is himself a former student.
Maintaining a connection to its roots, the School continues to build on its legacy today, working alongside partners within and beyond the University to deliver sustainable futures for all through platforms such as the famous Ulster Screen Academy.
This 175th anniversary year will see an exciting programme of events to celebrate. Key as always will be our famous fashion and degree shows, with the former taking place on May 30th and the latter opening on June 7th.
Celebrations will have alumni at the heart. Seven special BSoA 175 Ambassadors - most of whom are alumni - will act as champions for the celebrations from the upcoming degree shows through to the end of celebrations in December.
Through the summer and into the autumn, Ulster University's gallery will also host a series of exhibitions highlighting the work of both current graduates as well as alumni, including a specially commissioned work by Turner Prize nominee, Phil Collins.
The anniversary celebrations will wrap up with a two-week intensive programme from November 13th ~ November 22nd with a special series of events, activities and lectures helping us to celebrate BSoA's past, present and future!
Throughout, we will draw in students, staff, our institutional partners and of course the local community, but it’s very important to us that you, our alumni, are a key part of the celebrations! We hope to see you at the celebrations - it’s going to one to remember!
Watch this space for further announcements!
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