The Talent Behind ATU’s Creative Arts & Media Show, Launched By President Catherine Connolly

On Friday 5th June, the almost-graduates displayed their work throughout the university's Wellpark Road campus, with disciplines ranging from Fine Art and Interior Design to Film, Fashion and Animation.

The morning was kicked off by a fashion show highlighting the work of the Textiles & Fashion Design students. Models walked the halls of the building dressed in strong silhouettes and unique textures, their collections informed by varying influences including Irish heritage, urban infrastructure and sustainability.

Following the show, President Connolly toured the exhibit, chatting to the students about the stories behind their projects and the determination that made them possible.

As she passed through the space, each young creative stood by their piece; a vast fabric installation inspired by the intersection of science and art; a documentary detailing the rituals associated with physical media; oil paintings based on archival photographs from the Soviet Union, to name a few.

Some of these projects have, unsurprisingly, already won awards, and both the quality of the work and the sense of creative integrity appeared to move the President, who addressed the school in the afternoon.

“You have embraced the nuance and complexity of life,” Connolly said, remarking on the depth of the themes explored by the students, and the “hour of beauty” she had enjoyed observing their work.

Speaking then of an increasingly polarised culture, Connolly commended the students on their bold creative vision and their “courage in choosing a path less travelled”.

“We need critical thinkers now more than ever – individuals unafraid to challenge dominant narratives around issues like war, homelessness, and climate change —and this journey has produced graduates who are confident, insightful, and capable of shifting how we see the world.” 

Celine Curtin, Head of the Department of Creative Arts and Media, echoed this sentiment to Galway Now.

“What we want to do is put out ‘thinking practitioners’. They're saying something to the world and we're trying to assist them in that – to nurture their curiosity, their creativity, and their individual voice. And we want them to be happy people, good people, too.”

The Department of Creative Arts & Media Degree Show is on until Saturday 13th June at 5.30pm, at ATU Wellpark Road, Galway.