Writtle University College is proud to announce the launch of its first Virtual Design Degree Show. The online exhibition opened at midday on May 27th and features creative work at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Within a day of opening, the show received more than a thousand visitors from countries around the world.
In previous years, the annual event took place within extensive the studio facilities on WUC's large, rural estate. When the coronavirus pandemic made a physical show impossible, students adapted to the challenging circumstances by creating an innovative virtual experience.
The traditional opening night was replaced by an exclusive, invitation-only Zoom call. More than 50 students, staff, special guests and prestigious industry sponsors logged on to celebrate the successful project. The virtual galleries are now live, and can be viewed by people from around the world.
Work is displayed by students studying Art & the Environment, Contemporary Art & Design, Landscape Architecture & Garden Design and Professional Floristry & Floral Design.
Essex Gardens Trust (EGT) has once again sponsored the show's People's Choice Award. WUC was delighted to welcome EGT Chair, Patricia Sinclair, to the launch event. She said: "The students have demonstrated flexibility, ingenuity and imagination by creating a virtual site which allows visitors to 'walk' around and enjoy the exhibits. Hopefully, this will enable more people than ever to see and enjoy their work. Congratulations to all the students, and to WUC, for creating another first class show."
Paul French, Technical Director for prestigious landscape architecture firm, fabrik, said: "fabrik are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of two awards at the exhibition. In these unusual times it is important that we still take time to celebrate the work that the students and lecturers have put into delivering the exhibition".
Other sponsors and supporters include Writtle University College Students' Union, CED Stone Group, Gillespies and Chelmsford Window Gallery.