ART students at Coventry University have saved their degree show by hosting it digitally.
The final year students made a digita showcase of final-year work, as the coronavirus pandemic prevented physical gatherings.
Staff and students at the university worked remotely to transform their catwalks, films, art displays and performances into digital-friendly content, which will be accessible on a new website from 19 June.
It is the first time the Degree Show, which has been running since the 1970s, will be hosted online and more than 500 budding designers, artists, performers, photographers, filmmakers and writers are set to host a range of virtual events on the platform.
Fine Art and Illustration student Cody Massey has been part of the planning process and is delighted to be displaying work virtually, as he hopes the digital move will help their work reach more potential employers.
He said: “I hope in the coming years we’re not seen as the year that went online due to unfortunate events, but instead that we establish a positive change that will substantially alter the Degree Show scene in the future.
“We believe that what we have made is great and we want to show it to the world; going online has given us the chance to do that.”
Kollette Super, Associate Dean for Student Experience, Faculty of Arts and Humanities said: “Change always presents a challenge and for this cohort of final year students this has been unprecedented.
“They have responded to a new environment in the past few months and demonstrated valuable work and life skills.
“Their integrity and resilience in continuing to put this show of excellent works designed, made, written and composed before you speaks volumes for the Coventry Way.
“We hope that you will make time to look at the work of individuals and that you will make contact with them to see how you can use these skills and values in the workplace.”
The students’ work will be available to view via covdegreeshow.coventry.ac.uk/ from 19 June.
