The end of year degree shows at NUCA, that opens to the public today ( Wednesday 27th June ). Photo: Steve Adams

From a thought-provoking work of fine art incorporating a cactus and balloon, to a quirky graphics project designed to show when seats are free in the city’s “smallest” café – the wonderfully creative work of more than 400 graduating Norwich art students goes on display to the public today.

The end of year degree shows at NUCA, that opens to the public today ( Wednesday 27th June ). Photo: Steve Adams

Norwich University College of the Arts’ Degree Shows 2012 sees the university college open its doors to the public for a special showing of its final-year students’ work, with its buildings in St George’s Street, Duke Street and Elm Hill transformed into galleries for the occasion.

Everything from fine art to film and video games are on display and the event is a real celebration of the students’ achievements as well as a valuable chance for them to display their work to potential employers, buyers and curators looking for the next big talent.

John Last, principal of Nuca, said at yesterday’s private preview: “Every year I say that the show is the best I have seen.

“I can say it again this year. The standard of work is very high.”

He added: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to share the work of our graduating students with the public and this year’s crop of creatives are putting on an exhibition of impressive breadth and quality.

“The shows are a celebration of our students’ achievements, but also offer a bridge into the professional arena where many will go on to make their mark.

“We invite the city of Norwich to enjoy and be impressed by the creativity, innovation and ideas of the next generation of artists, designers and media makers.”

Renowned actor John Hurt, Nuca’s first provost, and best known for his acting roles in films including The Elephant Man, Midnight Express and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy, also took a look at the work on display at yesterday’s preview.

He said: “I have been racing around to see as much as I can. I really am going to have to come back. So far what I have seen is of a really high standard. What is marvellous is that there are so many faculties under the roof of Nuca, and they are reaching a far, far higher standard than you would expect of somewhere that has not got just one specialism.

“It is really impressive. It is going to be the most impressive art school in the world, if it isn’t already.”

Among the students exhibiting work in the photography show is Jordie Donachie, 21, from Garvestone, near Dereham.

Jordie, who is showing a series of cinematic images, said the show was a great opportunity for the graduating students.

He said: “I have never been able to show my work in such a big exhibition before. Some of the work people have done for the exhibition is really amazing. People have really gone the extra mile.”

Ryan Pentney, 21, who lives in Norwich and is originally from Swaffham, is exhibiting his computer game Defect – about a robot fighting for survival – in the BA Games, Art and Design exhibition.

About the show, he said: “There is a lot of great talent this year and I am really pleased to be amongst it. Everyone’s show-reels are great, and the show is a good basis for going forward in your career.”

Jessica Waterhouse, 24, originally from Cambridge and who is graduating in film and moving image production, is showing her film Something to Remember Me By.

She said: “I have loved my course here, and it feels like we have put on a really good show and we are leaving on a high.”

Other graduating students exhibiting work include Simon Jefferis and David Clulow, both 23 and graduating in graphic communication. They are displaying their soon-to-be-launched online project designed to let people know when there is space available to sit in The Window Coffee, in Norwich’s Wensum Street.

Among the fine artists, Laura Such, 23, and originally from Harleston, is showing her work. Vivacity. which incorporates a balloon, stool, cactus and water, and is described as a “metaphorical transformation of everyday objects,” while Lily Pattison, 22, and originally from Lowestoft, has created an untitled installation involving mirrors and film which looks at the idea of perception.

Among those graduating in animation is Simrat Bhachu, 21, from London, who has created a colourful animation inspired by origami and which is due to be displayed in a shop in Edinburgh.

The show starts today and will be open to the public every day from 10am to 4pm (excluding Sunday) until Tuesday, July 3. A late viewing will take place on Thursday, June 28, until 9pm.

Campus maps will be available from a reception desk in The Gallery on St George’s Street.

emma.knights@archant.co.uk