The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) published its digital catalogue documenting the work of its graduating students across all of its departments, including fine art and design.

The catalogue was officially launched – via an online call with NCAD representatives – by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, TD.

The publication of the NCAD graduate and post-graduate digital catalogue coincides with the launch of NCAD’s Graduate Programme 2020, a series of events and virtual programmes running across the autumn and winter showcasing the work of NCAD’s 2020 Graduates.

In early-September, NCAD welcomed graduating students back to the campus – with access to workshops and studios – so they could complete their graduate projects that were interrupted by lockdown in March.

As part of the Graduate Programme 2020, NCAD is working with students in the School of Fine Art to host virtual open studios on 28th September. Subsequent programmes will focus on the work of NCAD’s graduating Design, Higher Diploma and Postgraduate students.

According to NCAD Director, Professor Sarah Glennie: “Normally late-spring and early-summer represent the busiest times on the NCAD campus, as final year and post graduate students work long hours to complete their work in time for the annual showcase.  COVID-19 and lockdown robbed the class of 2020 of this opportunity.

“2020 is a year for many things to be done differently, and this is reflected in how we showcase the work of our graduating students. The digital catalogue is one element of our Graduate Programme 2020. In addition, there will be a range of initiatives, including psychosocial and virtual presentations and events, where we will be shining a light on the work and talent of our graduating students.  This commences with our virtual open studios on 28th September.

“For NCAD, the importance of putting the spotlight on this year’s graduating students could not be greater.  Arts, creativity and design have a renewed sense of place in our society.  The NCAD philosophy to teaching and learning has always been about nurturing curiosity and brave thinking.

“COVID-19 has reset how we live our lives. At times like these, we need thinkers and doers who are not afraid to ask questions, adapt and lead. Creativity alone isn’t a panacea to the complexity of our current and future situations, but we believe it is instrumental in shaping and co-creating a better future for us all. This year’s graduates are uniquely placed to respond to the new normal,” said Professor Glennie.

Speaking at the launch of the 2020 NCAD Graduate Catalogue, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister Simon Harris said: “What is clear from the NCAD digital catalogue is that the graduates emerging from 2020 are proving themselves to be creative, resilient and focused.  NCAD’s vision and mission to drive ‘bold and creative’ thinking among its graduates is more important now than ever, and I congratulate the College’s leadership and teaching staff for instilling this mission and these values in the class of 2020.”

During his video call with NCAD today, Minister Harris was appraised of the achievements of the 2020 graduating students. This year’s graduating groups has already been recognised nationally and internationally: eight NCAD students have been shortlisted for the Arts Thread Global Design Graduate Awards 2020; students have a been shortlisted for the Feel the Yarn International Fashion Award; and students have been shortlisted for the RSA Global Student Awards.

NCAD will return to learning for all students on 5^th October:  timetables and studio spaces are been configuring to reflect public health advice in respect of COVID-19, and on-campus learning for practice will be in place. For full details of the NCAD Graduate 2020 Programme, visit: ncad.works.