One of Northern Ireland’s largest annual exhibitions of emerging creative talent, the Ulster University Belfast School of Art Graduate Showcase 2026, is now open to the public at the University’s Belfast campus until 21 June 2026.
Featuring hundreds of artworks by final year and postgraduate students across a wide range of creative disciplines, the free-to-attend exhibition presents the next generation of artists, designers and creative practitioners as they prepare to enter professional practice.
Visitors can experience original work spanning fine art, photography, illustration, graphic design, animation, games design, ceramics, textiles, fashion, product design, silversmithing, user experience and service design.
The Graduate Showcase is supported by independent law firm Carson McDowell through a partnership that helps support both the public exhibition and the annual Preview Event, which brings together graduates, industry leaders, alumni, collectors and supporters to celebrate student achievement and connect emerging talent with professional networks.
Dr Brian Dixon, Head of Belfast School of Art, Ulster University, commented:
"The Graduate Showcase is the culmination of years of dedication, creativity and hard work by our students – and also by our colleagues. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional quality and diversity of creative work being produced across Belfast School of Art, while giving graduates a platform to present their practice to public audiences, industry and potential employers.
I am constantly struck by the power of the partnership with Carson McDowell. It not only underpins the hosting of our exhibition—ensuring the highest quality presentation and display of graduating students work—but also means that students are afforded an incredible opportunity to take their first steps into the art world through the Carson McDowell Preview night."
Declan Magee, Senior Partner, Carson McDowell, said:
“We are proud to continue our long-standing support of the Ulster University Belfast School of Art Annual Graduate Showcase. This event shines a spotlight on the exceptional creativity, ambition and originality of emerging artists in Northern Ireland, and it is a privilege for Carson McDowell to help celebrate and support that talent. The Showcase not only highlights the strength of our local creative sector but also provides an important platform for artists at a pivotal stage in their careers.”
Tania Carlisle, Corporate Engagement Partner, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Ulster University, added:
“At Ulster University, we seek partnerships that align business objectives with meaningful student impact. Carson McDowell’s support of the Graduate Showcase achieves both. It helps create a high-quality public platform for emerging artists while connecting students with alumni, collectors, employers and professional networks. Crucially, every sale made during the event directly supports the student artist, providing both financial benefit and powerful validation of their creative practice.”
For further information on Belfast School of Art, visit www.ulster.ac.uk/bsoa.
