Extended Diploma students exhibit at Kirkgate Market

Conscious Creatives is the culmination of a second Extended Diploma brief exploring sustainability. Each pathway, Graphic Communication, 3D Design, Fine Art and Fashion Textiles, approaches themes around sustainability differently, with students addressing issues around social, economic and environmental sustainability in their work. For some students this meant challenging unsustainable practices within their specialist area. For others, it involved using their skills to make Leeds a more socially sustainable city by focusing on play, relaxation, fitness and health or how the environment of Leeds could be improved. For all the students it encouraged serious thought and engagement in how they can take on the responsibilities and opportunities of being a ‘conscious creative’.

The pop-up exhibition is a presentation of posters that summarise each student’s project. The art market encourages the students to consider the economic sustainability of their own practice by translating their artwork into products or multiples to sell to the public.

The exhibition and art market are hosted by Leeds Kirkgate Market, an ongoing relationship that has been extremely valuable for the students’ experience of working towards a live brief. The exhibition opens on Thursday 25 January down ‘Old Butchers Row’ in Kirkgate Market and runs indefinitely. The art market is also on the 25 January in the food hall between 12.30 and 3.30pm.