Roll up, roll up for student carnival of creativity

Salford University Carnival 1

University of Salford graphic design students will be bringing all the fun of the fair to Islington Mill next month when they showcase the best of their work to creative agencies from across the North West.

University of Salford graphic design students will be bringing all the fun of the fair to Islington Mill next month when they showcase the best of their work to creative agencies from across the North West.

‘Salford University Carnival’ will celebrate the talent of more than 100 students from the University’s BA Graphic Design and MA Communication Design courses as they exhibit their impressive portfolios and invite employers to enjoy a cornucopia of fairground fun including the wheel of fortune, tarot reading, juggling, magic and even an amazing bearded lady.

Students will also get one-to-one feedback on their work and advice from designers from some of the region’s top agencies in special curiosity booths along with larger Q and A sessions.

The carnival has been organised in conjunction with Designers Northern Alliance, a body bringing together design students, academics and industry for networking opportunities. 2011’s event saw three students offered full-time jobs and 20 students secure industry placements and Joanne Greenhalgh, Graphic Design Co-ordinator at the University’s School of Art & Design, is hoping that it will be even more successful this time round.

“Organising engagement events such as this are beneficial to both our students and the local creative industry,” she said. “The students get advice and guidance from key companies which informs their practice and helps to further develop their career aspirations, while businesses that get involved have the opportunity to scout for new talent.

“We as tutors can also take onboard some key points from our industry contacts and integrate them into our teaching, making sure that what we do is relevant to our students and will help them in the real world following graduation.

Joanne continued: “The students have been very busy preparing for the Carnival. It’s been hard work but a lot of fun making cardboard props, videos and goody bags but they know that their enthusiasm and commitment will be amply rewarded at the event when they get a chance to meet design professionals, ask questions, show their work and hopefully get work placements.”

Salford University Carnival runs from 3pm-late at Islington Mill, James Street, Salford, M3 5HW on Thursday 1 March. For further details go to http://www.designersnorthernalliance.org/salfordunicarnival/ and to register attendance visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2884121485/efblike.