Exhibition celebrates inaugural year of students’ creative agency

The work of students from UWE Bristol’s New Wave Creative Agency, an initiative designed to provide transformative opportunities to those facing barriers to careers in the creative industries, will go on display at Arnolfini on 8 February.

Launched in 2023 as part of the university’s School of Arts, New Wave nurtures a more inclusive future for the sector by providing equitable opportunities for students and recent graduates experiencing multiple challenges to breaking into the industry, such as race, gender, disability, social capital or socioeconomic status.

It was created in response to research into underrepresentation in creative and cultural careers. According to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Creative Diversity: Creative Majority report, women, people of the global majority, those with a working-class background, people with a disability, and those living outside of London and the South East, are all significantly underrepresented in the creative and cultural industries, particularly in senior decision-making roles and key creative professions.

The agency offers students valuable commercial experience by offering creative opportunities and accessible networking with real clients. It helps them develop essential skills and confidence, whilst building professional connections that are crucial for their future careers.

Anneliese Paul, Creative Agency Lead, said: “Co-designed with students, New Wave is redefining traditional approaches to gaining professional experience in higher education. Unlike a regular agency, we prioritise students with the least professional experiences to offer equitable inclusion. We’re ambitious about playing our part in increasing diversity and inclusion in the creative workforce of the future.”

Students from New Wave have already created some standout projects in the city, including a commission from Apply Within to brighten up a new office development in Broadmead, Bristol.

Clive Watson, UWE Bristol Graphic Design alum and Creative Director of Apply Within, commissioned artwork from 64 students across Illustration, Fine Art, Animation, Photography, and Media Production courses.

This hands-on experience gave students invaluable insights into the commissioning process, including client meetings, feedback management, and installation.

“The project was a great success – everyone was happy,” said Clive Watson. “It’s hard for students to find a stepping stone into the real world. This project completed the circle – starting with my studies at Bower Ashton and my own career journey. I was pleased to work alongside students and offer them opportunities in a commercial environment.”

The UWE Bristol New Wave exhibition runs from 8 February until 16 March 2025, 11:00 – 18:00 at Arnolfini, Bristol. The show presents projects facilitated by New Wave during its first year of operation and features diverse mediums and practices, from documentaries and festival banners to ceramic slugs.