The Northern School of Art‘s Class of 2024 celebrated their achievements at one of the biggest graduation events staged by the institution in recent years.

In a series of graduation ceremonies at the historic St Hilda’s Church on Hartlepool’s Headland involving almost 740 people, 175 students graduated from a wide range of creative degree and postgraduate courses.

The students and audiences of invited guests of friends and families enjoyed a keynote speech by the renowned, award-winning writer and theatre director Robert Icke and valedictory addresses by graduating students.

As they left the ceremonies the new graduates were greeted by a guard of honour and applause from their former lecturers before reuniting with families and friends.

The day saw students progressing from the School’s Hartlepool university-level campus stage and screen, and visual arts degree and master’s level courses.

New graduates were honoured in acting, costume interpretation with design, film, TV and theatre production, visual effects and model making, production design for stage and screen, digital design and advertising, graphic design, fine art, illustration for commercial application, photography, fashion with body contour and textiles and surface design.

Those graduating from the School’s postgraduate MA courses in directing and theatre making, arts practice, design history and design practice also received their awards.

In his welcoming address, The Northern School of Art’s Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Martin Raby, reflected: “This is a day of celebration and reflection, as we honour the culmination of graduates’ artistic journey as we witness the birth of countless visions, the realisation of boundless dreams, and the emergence of a new generation of artists and creatives ready to shape the world with their own unique perspectives.”

To those receiving their awards he said: “Your creativity has the power to make a difference; you possess the ability to challenge preconceptions, ignite dialogue, and create lasting change. This day stands as a waypoint in your artistic journey, the crossing of a threshold into a world brimming with possibilities. Remember that your creative journey is not just about personal success but also about the impact you can make on the lives of others.”

Tim Bailey, The Northern School of Art’s Chair of Governors, added: “I encourage you to be brave and inquisitive, ambitious and far-sighted, the creative Industries thrive because of practitioners like you who want to push boundaries, follow their instincts and make change.”

Jon Renyard, the University Secretary of the Arts University Bournemouth which validates the School’s degrees, said: “A world of work awaits you. Do not underestimate the scale and power of the creative industries globally. In the UK it is larger in volume and generates greater GDP than the automotive industry, aeronautics, life sciences and the oil and gas industries all rolled into one. Each of you has the skillset, the adaptability and resilience to step bravely into the complicated world as a graduate.”

Each of the three ceremonies heard a valedictorian speech from a graduating student.

Connor Dorrian

Esther Finley

Mia Angioy

In his speech Connor Dorrian, who graduated from the MA Directing & Theatre Making course and was named as this year’s winner of the Under 26 North East Playwriting Awards, said: “This last year at The Northern School of Art has without a doubt been the most rewarding, I have learned to embrace change, think critically and to problem-solve, whilst also deepening my passion of play writing and honing my abilities as an actor.”

Esther Finley, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree course, and has secured a role as the costume trainee on a major film shooting in the North East this summer said: “I have spent the last three years studying on the Costume Interpretation with Design course which has proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“From caring and skilled staff to a supportive and talented class, this course has it all! Being able to spend three years engaging in my craft, learning new skills and techniques and gaining confidence as a designer has made me unbelievably happy and I will always look back on my time here with great fondness.”

Mia Angioy, who graduated from The Northern School of Art’s MA Design Practice and who completed a brief with England’s Lionesses squad for last year’s World Cup along with a collaboration for Converse and Liverpool FC whilst studying, said: “When I began the MA in 2022, I had a dream of turning my passion into a career, but I wasn’t entirely sure how or when that might happen. Through the guidance of our dedicated faculty and support of my family, I managed to pursue opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

“I was fortunate enough to start my career in the creative industry last year. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, providing real-world context to the theories and techniques we have learned throughout our studies. It was throughout this time that I discovered my true potential and realised that the skills we’ve been developing here are not just for academic success, but for real, impactful work in the world.”

The Northern School of Art is the only specialist art and design school in the North East. Its degree-level campus in Hartlepool was rated Gold in 2023 as part of the Office for Students’ Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and its further education site in Newport Road in Middlesbrough is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

northernart.ac.uk