City showcase event highlights next generation of creative talent

Talented artists, designers, creators and makers unveiled their innovative designs and bold ideas as part of an end of year vibrant degree showcase in Derby.

The Creative Industries Showcase, called ‘Made It’, hosted by the University of Derby, brought together students from a range of programmes including fashion, media, graphic design, photography, architecture and computer gaming courses for a week-long programme of exhibitions and events across the city.

Highlights from the annual event included a display of work at the University’s Britannia Mill site, live musical performances at Dubrek Studios, a screening of a short film created by Film and Animation students at QUAD, and a fashion show held at Derby Market Hall.

Richard Levesley, Assistant Head of Discipline for Art and Design and Programme Lead for the University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Illustration courses, who led on the organisation of the event, said:

“The Creative Industry Showcase highlights the outstanding creativity, innovation, and talent here at the University of Derby.

“It reflects the University’s commitment to supporting creative innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement while providing students with a platform to share their work with the public and potential employers.

“It is also an opportunity for prospective students, alumni, industry professionals, partners and the wider public to experience the breadth of creative practice across the University.”

Among the work on display was an animated documentary by third-year Animation student Oliver Roland, which pays tribute to the life of his great-grandfather Lothar Kreyssig, who actively resisted the regime in Nazi Germany.

After the Second World War, Lothar went on to establish a charitable foundation - Action Reconciliation Service for Peace - which continues to support war-affected countries, and Oliver’s animation reflects on his legacy.

Other work on display included that of BA (Hons) Illustration student Marlies Matzinger, who has written and designed a children’s picture book designed to support children who have a loved one living with dementia.

Marlies joined the University of Derby in the final year from HTL Spengergasse College in Austria, and the book – called Memories Melt Like Ice-Cream - uses metaphor and gentle storytelling to help explain the condition in an accessible and emotionally sensitive way for young readers.

Photography student Maisy Wilkinson exhibited a series exploring motherhood, capturing themes of maternal strength, care and emotional labour. Meanwhile, second and third-year Gaming students showcased projects inspired by the theme of “tension”, highlighting both technical skill and creative storytelling.

Third-year Fashion Design student Tabitha Windle-Hartshorn, whose collection was recently named Best In Show in the Collective Catwalk at the Graduate Fashion Show in London, said it was a proud moment seeing her designs on the catwalk.

She said:

“I have put a lot of time and effort into creating my collection, which explores the restriction and overwhelm of neurodivergence through texture, silhouette, print and performance and is based on my own experience of ADHD and autism.

“It is inspired by costume, drag and ballroom culture and seeing the models on the catwalk wearing my clothes was a real ‘pinch-me’ moment.”

Luke Jackson is a final year Graphic Design student and helped with the social media content for the showcase.

He said:

“It has been a real team effort and there have been some incredible pieces of work on display. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Creative Industries Showcase.”

The University of Derby has been named UK University of the Year in the 2027 Uni Compare rankings. It was also ranked first in the UK for employability, second for accommodation and second for course quality. 

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