Graduate shows: Where to go to see the capital’s up-and-coming artists this summer
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Summer in the art world doesn’t just mean blockbuster shows at some of the biggest galleries.
For the younger artists in the capital it’s Degree Show time, when art students put on group shows displaying what they have been working on throughout their course.
These shows aren’t just for tutors to mark – many are open to the public, and are a fantastic chance to see artwork that is just about as cutting edge as it gets.
These are the art schools and shows you should be heading to to see the big names of art's future.
Central Saint Martins
Which show and when? Degree Show One, May 23-27
An amalgamation of two of the most famous art schools in the country – Central and Saint Martins – this college boasts the likes of artists Lucian Freud and Gillian Ayres among its alumni, as well as fashion designers Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. Head over to their impressive Granary Square quarters for the first of two shows, focusing on fine art disciplines before the design show at the end of June.
1 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA, arts.ac.uk
Goldsmiths
Which show and when? BA Fine Art and History of Art, June 14-18 2018
An epicentre for the Young British Artists group of the 1990s, Goldsmiths alumni list is filled with rock’n’roll figures from the arts world. Graduates of the school include Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, as well as Damon Albarn and Alex James of Blur fame. Catch this year’s undergraduate show at the New Cross campus.
8 Lewisham Way, New Cross, London SE14 6NW, gold.ac.uk
Slade School of Fine Art
Which show and when? MA/MFA/PhD, June 7-17 2018
This art school frequently tops polls as the best in the country, so the postgraduate show here is a must-see. This show features work by Masters student and PhD students – yes, you can be a Doctor of Art – and can be found at the central campus of University College London.
University College London, Gower Street, Kings Cross, WC1E 6BT, ucl.ac.uk
Kingston School of Art
Which show and when? Degree Show 2018, June 3-8 2018
A little out of town but worth a trip for keen art hunters, the Kingston School of Art has been making quite the name for itself in more recent years. At this degree show, you get all the school’s arty disciplines in one hit – so for a single trip out south west, you can check out Fine Art, Photography, Architecture, Furniture Design, Fashion, and much more.
Various locations at Kingston School of Art, kingston.ac.uk
Chelsea College of Arts
Which show and when? Undergraduate Show 2018, June 15-23 2018
If Tate Britain is on your list of gallery must visits this June (and it should be) then why not pop across the road (quite literally) to Chelsea College of Arts? This school hasn’t been in Chelsea for decades but is still considered one of the best of the bunch. It’s Undergraduate Show displays work by students across all disciplines and, if you love it, you can pop back in September for the Postgraduate show too.
16 John Islip Street, Westminster, SW1P 4JU, arts.ac.uk
Royal Academy of Arts
Which show and when? RA Schools Show 2018, June 8 - July 1 2018
Most frequently hitting the headlines as a gallery hosting world-class exhibitions, its easy to forget that the Royal Academy is actually an academy. The RA runs a three year post-graduate programme which is totally free for the lucky students that get picked for it. You can check out the results of their hard work at the RA Schools Show in the brand new Weston Studio, part of the 250th anniversary revamp.
Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 0BD, royalacademy.org.uk
Royal College of Art
Which show and when? Show 2018, June 23 - July 1 2018
Probably one of the most prestigious postgraduate courses in the country, you are highly likely to find the next big thing among those showing in the Royal College of Art’s degree show. The exhibition will feature work by over 800 artists and designers – there’s a lot to look through but the rewards are great.
Various locations at Royal College of Art, rca.ac.uk
London College of Fashion
Which show and when? BA Show, June 6 2018
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No prizes for guessing which discipline this University of the Arts London college specialises in. This year, the LCF BA Show is mixing a traditional catwalk with digital innovation by producing a 360 live stream so that you can tune in from the comfort of your laptop.
29–32 The Oval, E2 9DT, arts.ac.uk