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Events
School of the Arts Festival
Thursday 14 May to Friday 19 June 2026
Join us to explore portfolios, art works, live works and installations created by students in our School of the Arts.
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Be inspired by challenging and innovative work at the School of the Arts Festival at York St John University.
The Festival is a unique opportunity for friends, family and members of the public to engage with the work of our students. Discover a diverse body of work from students who have developed their individual creative voices. Explore events, performances, screenings and exhibitions from our Art, Design, Performance and Production courses.
Explore our timetable of events below.
Art
Art Degree Show Private View
Wednesday 3 June
5.30pmCreative Centre Atrium
The private view of our Fine Art, Illustration and Photography Degree Show. You will have the opportunity to explore the exhibitions and discover artists that we have had the joy to see flourish throughout their degree.
By invitation only.
Artwork credit: Isabel Payne
Reignite XV: Liftoff – Breaking In & Building Forward
Thursday 4 June
6pmTemple Hall
Hear directly from artists and filmmakers at the highest level - Turner Prize nominee Heather Philipson, Larry Achiampong, Steve Messam, Joanne Coates and Baff Akoto, who will share their personal stories of “breaking in” – offering candid insight into the realities of building a creative career today.
Artwork credit: Ibai Acevedo
Art Degree Show Exhibition
4 to 10 June
12 noon to 6.00pmCreative Centre, Phoenix, Quad South Foyer, McGregor, McLagan
You are warmly invited to view the work of our Fine Art, Illustration and Photography students at our student degree show exhibition.
The exhibition takes place across our York campus and is open each day from 12 noon to 6.00pm
This event is free to attend and no booking is required.
Art Degree Show Awards Night
Wednesday 10 June
5.30pmCreative Centre Auditorium
We welcome friends and family to celebrate the achievements of our Fine Art, Illustration and Photography BA and MFA students with a short Awards ceremony and the opportunity to see exhibited works.
Friends and family.
Artwork credit: Kate Lowe
Design
Reignite XV: Liftoff – Breaking In & Building Forward
Thursday 4 June
6pmTemple Hall
Hear directly from artists and filmmakers at the highest level - Turner Prize nominee Heather Philipson, Larry Achiampong, Steve Messam, Joanne Coates and Baff Akoto, who will share their personal stories of “breaking in” – offering candid insight into the realities of building a creative career today.
Artwork credit: Ibai Acevedo
Design Degree Show Open Night
Friday 5 June
6pmDesign Centre
Friends, family, industry guests and professionals join us to raise a glass and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students over the past three years. There is a vibrant showcase of brilliance and creativity from Animation Design, Games Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Product Design.
Friends and family.
Animation Showcase
Friday 5 June
7pmCreative Centre Auditorium
A special screening celebrating the creativity and talent of our animation students. This event will showcase a selection of their recent course work, offering a glimpse into their unique visual storytelling, technical skills and imaginative worlds.
Friends and family.
Design Degree Show Exhibition
6 to 10 June
10.00am to 4.30pmDesign Centre
Visit our vibrant showcase of brilliance and creativity from Animation Design, Games Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Product Design.
The exhibition takes place in our Design Centre and is open each day (except Sunday) from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
This event is free to attend and no booking is required.
Design Degree Show Awards Night
Wednesday 10 June
6.00pmDesign Centre
Friends and family are invited to join us for our annual student design awards evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions from our students in Animation, Games Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Product Design.
Friends and family.
Performance
9 to 5: The Musical
Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May
Creative Centre Auditorium
With a cast, band and creative team made entirely of students, this show promises a night of excitement, great music and laughs!
York Theatre Royal Takeover
26 to 30 May
York Theatre Royal
TakeOver is a week-long theatre festival run by final year performance students. Students take over York Theatre Royal and work as producers, production managers, front of house staff and more!
Running from 26 to 30 May, our 2026 takeover features a range of performances from student-made pieces to TV stars, as well as creative workshops, free events and an exhibition.
Music and Musical Theatre Showcase
Wednesday 3 June
7.30pmCreative Centre Auditorium
Join us for an exciting evening of performances featuring students on our BA Music and BA Musical Theatre courses!
The concert includes a wide range of genres and styles – you are sure to discover something new. We are proud to showcase the results of our students’ hard work and creativity.
Production
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Media Production Awards Night
Friday 19 June
6.00pmCreative Centre Auditorium
Celebrate the end of our undergraduate FTV, Media Production, Journalism and Sports Journalism degree, with awards for the best student projects chosen by industry professionals.
Invitation only.
Music Production Awards Night
Date to be confirmed
Students and industry guests are invited to join us for the Music Production Awards.
Invitation only.
Contact
For more information about the School of the Arts Festival contact events@yorksj.ac.uk.
