Gray’s School of Art praised in Scottish Parliament motion

The motion, put forward by Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland of the Scottish Conservative party, is supported by a cross-party group of 28 MSPs. It commends Gray’s School of Art for it’s ‘excellent’ degree show and for providing graduates with a ‘unique development programme for emerging artists’ through its Graduates in Residence Scheme and their exhibition, 'Emergent'.

Gray’s School of Art’s Degree Show, ‘Welcome to the Real World’, which was the first in person end of year show in three years, included a stunning exhibition celebrating 146 graduating designers and artists across Painting, Contemporary Art Practice, Fashion and Textiles, Communication Design, Three-Dimensional Design and Photography.

Gray's Graduates in Residence, who are part of the art school’s unique development programme, drew inspiration from artefacts from the RGU Art & Heritage Collection for their exhibition, Emergent, at Gray's Look Again Aberdeen Project Space.

Dean for Gray’s School of Art, Libby Curtis, said: “Our degree show ‘Welcome to the real world’ was a huge success and a credit to everyone involved. I am extremely proud of all our graduating artists and designers, and the staff, who curated such a stunning exhibition and we were thrilled to welcome so many visitors, of all ages, to see the show.

“It is fantastic to be recognised in the Scottish Parliament and for MSPs to show their appreciation for the wealth of talent we have at Gray’s School of Art.

“Robert Gordon University is committed to enriching and enhancing the cultural offering in the North-East of Scotland and our degree show is testament to the contribution that we are making. Our Graduate in Residence exhibition also demonstrates our commitment to support our graduates and to provide opportunities for Gray’s graduates in the North-East.”

The full motion reads as follows:

“That the Parliament welcomes Gray’s School of Art Degree Show, considers that the show is an excellent opportunity for final year students to put on display for the public; understands that many of the projects from the 2022 degree show are focused on the theme of sustainability, with innovative projects using bioplastic derived from seaweed; notes Gray’s School of Art Graduate in Residence programme, Emergent, which celebrates the work of what it sees as the school’s unique development programme for emerging artists and designers, and wishes all involved in Gray’s School of Art all the best for the future.”

It can also be viewed at the Scottish Parliament