Summer Showcase spotlights career-ready creative talent across Wales and beyond

Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) will present their final major projects this summer as part of the University’s highly anticipated Summer Showcase 2026. Launching with the Swansea College of Art exhibitions opening on 15 May in Swansea, the programme continues across Carmarthen, Cardiff, and London through to July.

The annual showcase celebrates the creativity, innovation, and professionalism of graduating students across a wide range of disciplines, including Surface Pattern and Textiles, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Acting, Adventure Filmmaking, Automotive Design and more. Exhibitions in Swansea will take place at the Dynevor Building and Alex Design, with additional performances at Yr Egin and high-profile showcases in Cardiff and London.

A cornerstone of the University calendar, the Summer Showcase also features work from students at the Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA), offering a vibrant platform for emerging performers to connect with industry professionals, agents, and audiences.

This year’s showcase places a strong emphasis on employability, reflecting UWTSD’s commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers in the creative industries. Many students secure roles, commissions, and freelance opportunities directly from exhibiting their work, while others progress into leading creative organisations, start-ups, and postgraduate study.

Dr Mark Cocks, Dean of the Wales Institute for Science and Art at UWTSD, said: “Summer Showcase 2026 demonstrates not only the exceptional creativity of our students, but their readiness to step confidently into professional practice. These exhibitions are increasingly becoming launchpads for careers, with students gaining commissions, employment, and industry recognition from the moment they present their work. It’s inspiring to see their ideas translate into real-world opportunities.”

The UK’s creative industries continue to be a major economic force, contributing over £100 billion annually and growing at a rapid pace. UWTSD plays a key role, equipping students with the practical skills, entrepreneurial mindset and industry connections needed to thrive.

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director (Art and Media) at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, said: “Our focus is on ensuring students leave us not only as talented creatives, but as confident professionals. The Summer Showcase is a vital bridge between education and employment, where students present industry-ready portfolios, build networks and often secure their first roles. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many graduates go on to exciting and sustainable careers.”

With a long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s leading art schools, Swansea College of Art continues to produce graduates who go on to become influential artists, designers, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs.

Lynne Seymour, Academic Director: Design and Performing Industries, added: “This showcase reflects the ambition, adaptability, and professionalism of our students. They understand how to collaborate, respond to briefs, and innovate within real industry contexts. Employers are looking for graduates who can make an immediate impact and that’s exactly what our students are prepared to do. Many leave us already working within the industries they love.”

Ellie Jones, (pictured) graduated with a First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Illustration in 2025, and won the prestigious AOI Spotlight Award at New Designers in London. The award celebrates an illustrator with an industry-ready portfolio and a fresh, innovative creative voice.

For Ellie, aged 23, illustration is more than an artform, it’s a way to connect people with wellbeing, mindfulness and the natural world. Her visual storytelling is infused with warmth and personality, and her distinctive use of colour and texture gives her work an instantly recognisable style.

“I was honoured to receive the AOI Spotlight Award and to be named among the UK’s top illustration graduates,” said Ellie, who lives in Pontypridd. “The support I’ve had from Swansea College of Art has been amazing, and this recognition gave me real confidence as I start to build my career in illustration.”

Event Highlights

Swansea – Swansea College of Art (SCA)

Opening Night: 15 May

STEM Showcase (IQ Building): 29 May, 2–4pm

Architecture: 5 June, 6pm

Automotive Design: 27 June, 6pm

Carmarthen

Adventure Filmmaking: 13 May, 6:30–9:30pm

Acting & Set Design: 15–16 May (see schedule for times)

Cardiff

WAVDA Industry Showcase (Porters Theatre):

15 May, 7pm

16 May, 2pm & 7pm

Commercial Dance: 29 May, 2:30pm and 7.30pm, Dancehouse, Wales Millennium Centre

Musical Theatre & BA Perfformio: 19 June, 1pm and  7.30pm and June 20, 2pm and 7.30pm, Haywood House

BMus Vocal Performance: June 3, 5pm classical recital, 7pm pop recital, Haywood House

London

Fine Art & Photography Exhibition 

Copeland Gallery, London

18 June (6:00pm - Late) 

19-20 June (10:00 - 18:00) 

New Designers Exhibition (Business Design Centre): 1–4 July
Featuring programmes in Surface Pattern & Textiles, Design Crafts, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Product & Furniture Design

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071