University of Chester exhibitions celebrate creativity

A series of free exhibitions of artwork and research is taking place to share and celebrate the creativity of students, staff, graduates and resident artists at the University of Chester.

The thought-provoking work is being showcased now and during the coming months, with more exhibitions planned for next year, at the Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC), Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces, Unit 14, in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

This month sees graduate Grace Currie, who achieved a first-class degree in Fine Art at the University, bring her exhibition, Out of the Shadows, to the Gallery.

Described as bold, challenging and explorative, Grace’s work will be on display from 11am to 3pm every day, from now to July 27. 

Funded by Arts Council England (ACE), Grace’s art is inspired by her own experience, evolving world view, her challenges and triumphs living with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), as well as perspectives shared in focus groups by social work students, organised as part of the project.

Using various traditional and non-traditional art materials to create many layered, textured, new artworks, the project explores the value of arts-based processes to enhance training in social work education on supporting those with an ABI. 

Next in the series, the AA2A (Artists Access to Art Colleges) exhibition will take over the space, from August 10 to 23.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The University is one of 11 Higher and Further Education host institutions across England offering residencies for visual artists and designer-makers through the initiative, to develop their work and share their expertise with current students.

Autumn will welcome the MA (Master of Arts) Fine Art exhibition, placing the exceptional work of graduating artists and designers in the spotlight.

Their work can be viewed from September 28 to October 9, from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Associate Professor Bernadine Murray, Head of the University’s School for the Creative Industries, said:

“We have organised the series of exhibitions to showcase art, creativity, talent, learning and research, and get people thinking about the subjects explored.

“All the exhibitions are free, and we look forward to welcoming visitors as we develop the 2025 exhibition and events schedule.”