Representatives from the creative industries joined SETU to celebrate the launch of the University's new Design Graduate Show at Waterford Central Library. The show, a free and accessible event, will run until 27 June.
The Design Graduate Show 2024 features work from SETU’s BA (Hons) Design (Visual Communications) programme at SETU’s College Street campus in Waterford. For the third year running, Waterford Central Library has provided the backdrop for this graduate exhibition.
The design programme prepares graduates for a creative career working through sustainable design practice and research within evolving design technologies in digital design, video, motion graphics, branding, packaging design, print management, photography, and illustration.
Exceptional work
During the event, Cllr Jody Power, Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, praised the exceptional work of the design group. Professor Michael Breen from the University of Limerick, and an SETU humanities extern, congratulated the new graduates for their innovative and entrepreneurial attitude. Prof. Breen highlighted the graduates’ design and illustration skills and the programme’s successful outreach to industry as continued strengths of the final design work.
Dr Susan Flynn, SETU Head of Department, Arts, said, “The Design Graduate Show 2024 is a testament to creativity. The show’s apt title – ‘Celebrate’- captures the enthusiasm and innovative bravery of this year’s graduates. The cultural and creative industries will reap the benefits of having access to yet another cohort of qualified designers who have the skills and adaptability to challenge and inspire through design.”
Internships
The graduates enjoy associate membership of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and are currently under review for the national graduate awards for 2024.
Design internships linked with live projects within the programme were awarded to the new graduates at the launch event, providing further support for their next step into the creative industries.
Tasneem Khan, SEA School Studios and Labs Founder and Director, noted that, “SEA School and Alternative Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), working in partnership with SETU, are delighted to support a selection of design graduate work emerging from the co-created live design project and delivered within the design core 8 module this semester.”
Rachel Bolger was the recipient of the SETU Growth Hub and N-TUTORR Award. She was chosen for her stunning design work with a focus on the development of a brand identity and promotion for Cheekpoint, Co Waterford.
"The cultural and creative industries will reap the benefits of having access to yet another cohort of qualified designers who have the skills and adaptability to challenge and inspire through design.”
Dr Susan Flynn SETU Head of Department of Arts
Award
Waterford City and County Council Arts Office awarded a prize of €500 with a design internship to Daniel O'Neill, for his exceptional design work for the Féile An Grianstad - Winter Solstice Festival brand identity and promotion. Conor Nolan, Waterford City and County Council Arts Officer, and Luke Currall, Visual Arts Co-Ordinator, were delighted with the outcome of all finished designs. The festival presented a challenge to create a Christmas-related festival for Dungarvan, Co Waterford without the expected themes associated with the branding.
The DVF Design Internship shortlisted recipients were Anderson Si va, Leanne Burke, and Daniel O’Neill. SETU Marketing Design Internships shortlisted four graduates including Fatima Sorohan, Shaun Kelly, Anderson Silva, and Kevin O’Donnell.
SETU’s design graduate community works internationally, regionally, and locally within the creative industries, design research, and interdisciplinary practice, including working on campus at SETU with The Walton Institute, Calmast, Growth Hub, N-TUTORR, and Rikon.
The graduate show was kindly supported by Europe Direct; The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland; The Institute of Designers in Ireland; N-TUTORR; Waterford City and County Council; DVF; SEA School, and ALT EFF.
