Higher Education Art, Design & Media students from Selby College have launched a month-long sustainability-themed exhibition at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York.

A new piece of artwork is being installed each week throughout the exhibition, which will be on display to the thousands of visitors the shopping centre attracts.

Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, said:

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Selby College on this project which not only promotes sustainability, but supports and encourages local artists. The exhibition is already being enjoyed by our guests and we look forward to supporting more initiatives with the College in the future.”

Student Ruby Duffy, whose artwork was the first to be displayed at the Designer Outlet, said:

“I put a lot of consideration and labour into creating my exhibition, so it feels amazing to have my work displayed at Designer Outlet York. The idea behind the piece is to showcase 32 white, flat flowers which are meticulously arranged in uniform so that you can only see them from a specific angle. It’s designed to get observers to question how we choose to see the reality we want.”

Creating sustainable artwork has been embedded into the students’ studio practice, which has seen them design pieces which are made from recycled materials.

Elaine Whitehead, Curriculum Development Manager for Art, Design & Media at Selby College, said:

“To enhance their professional development, we ensure that all of our Higher Education Art, Design & Media students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork beyond our campus. This expands their experience in working to a real-life client brief, whilst also boosting their confidence in creating conversational public pieces of art.”

The work of the College’s talented Higher Education Art, Design & Media students will also be on display as part of the Department’s end-of-year shows, which will take place on Thursday 12th June and Thursday 19th June 2025.

In conjunction with the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Sustainability Week, Level 1 and Level 2 Art & Design students will be exhibiting their ecofriendly artwork at Selby Abbey on Monday 17th March 2025.

As part of the project, the students have produced pieces by collecting and reusing waste materials, with Selby Abbey’s artists in residency, Mandy Keating and Helen Brook, providing them with feedback on their pieces.

Making their mark on Selby Abbey, Level 3 Art & Design students will also be taking part in a light project exhibition at the venue alongside NowThen Creative and installation light artists, Henrick and Palmer.

This includes a light trail which will start at Selby Abbey and be displayed in the shop windows of local businesses in the Town.