University of Greater Manchester exhibits student art works

The art exhibits were displayed as part of the annual Creative Arts Show at the University of Greater Manchester, formerly Bolton.

The awards were hosted by the Deane Road university’s head of the School of Arts and Creative Technologies Sam Johnson and marked the public launch of an exhibition of the students’ work.

She said: “It’s a huge pleasure to introduce this awards ceremony and it’s lovely to see so much fantastic work coming together.”

The awards were presented by university vice president Dr Bill Webster, while visitors also got to see displays of work created by students.

All kinds of works were on display (Image: University of Greater Manchester) These included textile design, fine art, photography, film and SFX makeup and models.

Fine art BA (hons) programme leader Ged Young said: “This year’s Creative Show truly showcases the hard work and determination of our final year students.

“Our industry partners always support our graduates and the awards they offer give our students a real platform for the start of their creative careers.”

Emily Goulding-Ellison has been one of the exhibited artists (Image: University of Greater Manchester) Students, their families and guests toured the displays which feature work from various programmes.

These included animation and Illustration, fashion, film and media production, fine art, graphic design, photography and special make-up effects for film and television.

They also included special effects for film and television, special effects model making for film and television, textiles and surface design, visual effects and animation.

Special effects for film and TV have been amongst the subject matters (Image: University of Greater Manchester) Neo:artists co-director Louise Garman said: “It gave me great pleasure not only to hand out prizes of two-month residencies for three Fine Art graduates and two from the Photography course, but to see the amazing end of year show.

“Judging by the high standard of the work, all the graduates have a bright future ahead of them.”

Students’ hard work has been exhibited (Image: University of Greater Manchester) Hive also selected three photography students to work with and have offered a combination of exhibition opportunities and mentoring to Jane Barker, Sindija Malakorska and Patricia Janek.

Julie Levy, of Hive Artists, said: “We have made two awards this year to Fine Art students who we feel show great potential.

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“Both Emma Mather and Monica Hamakami showed a level of dedication and skill in their work that caught the eye of the Hive directors amongst what was a diverse and vibrant show. 

“We are delighted to be working with Emma and Monica over the coming year.”

Dr Steph Dermott said: “It is always exciting to work with a new group of award-winning students to see how they will develop over the year.”

The Creative Show will be open to the public until June 20 from 10am to 4pm daily, excluding Saturday and Sunday, but will be open during the open day on Saturday 14 June.

School of the Arts: Creative Arts Show Prize Winners 2025

ANIMATION + ILLUSTRATION

Kent’s Bank Station Library Award – Eimear Fowler

JD Studios – Joe Blundell

The 10ticks Creative Award – Tovia Makoji-Stephen

ENGLISH + CREATIVE WRITING         

And Other Stories: Finn Chapman

Drama Prize: Emily Francis           

English Essay Prize: Kiera Egars

DIGITAL MEDIA + CONTENT CREATION

Digital Media and Content Creation Prize – Oliver Tyler

FASHION

GFW NEXT Fashion Trend [Shortlist recognition] Award: Rebecca Flanagan

Outstanding Student Progression Award: Rita Abutu

GFW trailblazer sustainability collection award and The GFW Jimmy Choo scholarship awards: Mel Sidebotham                                   

The Fashion Collection Award: Mel Sidebotham                            

FILM AND MEDIA

Outstanding Major Project Film: Meeka Roche and Finn Woodthorpe

Outstanding student Award – Alex Vanzandt

FINE ART

Neo Artists Graduate Residency Award: Daisy Mai Hilton

Neo Artists Graduate Residency Award: Zaiming Wang

Neo Artists Graduate Residency Award: Anna Yvonne Varetto                                                             

Hive Artists Exhibition Development Award: Emma Mather

Hive Artists Mentorship Award – Monica Hamakami

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Prevent Breast Cancer: Jess Horrobin

HSP Leigh: Lucy Vaughan

Beyond Vision: Matthew Atherton 

Bolton & Leigh Railway 200: Masha Lambova

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Rising Light Award: Ivy Sellers

Beyond the Frame Award: Grace Schofield

Neo Artists Graduate Residency: Heidi Jones & Mai Hem Davis

Hive Artists Award: Patrycja Janek

Hive Artists Award: Sindija Malakovska

Hive Artists Award: Jane Barker               

TEXTILES + SURFACE DESIGN

Surface Print Fine Wallpapers – Wallcovering Award: Emily Goulding-Ellison                                           

AVA CAD CAM – Digital Design: Emily Goulding-Ellison, Chantal Turner                                           

Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool – Exhibition Award: Sarah Boon, Azel Davies, Isobel Nethercoat

Design Collaboration – Entrepreneurship Mentoring Award: Caitlin Smith 

SPECIAL MODELMAKING EFFECTS FOR FILM AND TV

MMFX Studentship Award: Gabe Ross

MMFX Studentship Award: Rachel Reggione

National Film and Sci-Fi Museum Award: Yuliarn Vassiljev

Nuffy’s Model Shop Award: Keira Gore

SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR FILM AND TV         

Neill Gorton Award: Emily Watson 

SPECIAL MAKE-UP EFFECTS FOR FILM AND TV

Stan Winston Award: Sydni Nolan