Graduate Art show opens to the public during June Bank holiday

An exciting exhibition of contemporary art by final year Art & Design students in GMIT will open to the public in GMIT’s Centre for Creative Arts & Media (formerly Cluain Mhuire) on Saturday 31 May, 2.30pm.

One of the highlights of the Galway arts calendar, this year’s show features a range of visually exciting works in sculpture, painting, printmaking, ceramics and textiles by 60 full-time honours students on the BA (Hons) in Art & Design programme and 15 part-time students (level 7 degree Access programme).

The exhibition will be officially opened by diplomat Geoffrey Keating who has recently been nominated as Ireland's next ambassador to Singapore. The event runs for one week only, until Saturday 7 June. Students have arranged a series of tours and talks throughout the week for members of the public interested in collecting or purchasing art for their home or business.  

Sarah Searson, Head of the GMIT Centre for Creative Arts & Media, says: “The graduate art exhibition is an exciting opportunity to see contemporary new and emerging practices in visual arts. The students’ work addresses a range of interesting and engaging themes and influences.”

“Over the past four and six years respectively, both full and part-time students have been immersed in learning art and craft traditions, honing and perfecting their individual artistic vision and studying critical theory and art history. They have been mentored and guided by academics who are working artists and critical commentators in the contemporary art world.”

"This exhibition is a very exciting point in their educational pathways. They have worked hard and have been dedicated to their artistic development. The exhibition celebrates this all under one roof, and it’s a tremendous opportunity to engage with the wider public. We are delighted to have our doors open and to welcome all into the Centre over the course of the week," adds Ms Searson, Head of Centre

About GMIT's Centre for Creative Arts and Media

The Centre for Creative Arts and Media is one of two GMIT campuses in Galway City. It is located less than a mile from Galway city centre, on the main Monivea Road.  A campus since 1998, the Centre for Creative Arts and Media was formed in 2012 and is based in a former Redemptorist Monastery, which originally opened in 1940 to accommodate students training for the priesthood.  Remnants of this heritage are still to be found - the high ceilings, wide windows and spacious rooms give the revamped building an instant appeal, while the library is constructed with Irish oak using a distinct ecclesiastical theme.

Today, the Centre for Creative Arts and Media is a hive of creative activity, and specialises in courses in art & design, textiles, and film & documentary. The backdrop to the Centre is the vibrant cultural life of the City of Galway. This and our educational ethos prepares students to work in industry and the arts. One of the great benefits of our location is the extensive creative networks here in Galway. Students can develop their creative potential within city and rural contexts.