Shortlisted
The Black Excellence Prize in Association with FACE at Graduate Fashion Week
Back in May we announced our partnership with Graduate Fashion Forum to create the Black Excellence Prize, a result of the work by three FACE members now trustees of GFF. Thank you Benita Odogwu-Atkinson, Gavin Douglas and Beatrice Newman. We were thrilled to receive just shy of 100 entries for this first every prize.
Now, after a preliminary round of judging we can announce the following young creatives who will go forward to the final.
Drumroll…FACE Congratulates to the following creatives…
Dayna Tohidi, Central Saint Martins
Demi-Leigh Holmes, Sheffield Hallam University
Fanta Shirif, De Montfort University
Farhad Ali, University of Salford
Giorgia Bovone, Birmingham City University
Joy Julius, Kingston School of Art
Rachel De Souza, The University of Huddersfield
Ruby Kiwinda, University of Brighton
Tiani Etheridge, Coventry University
Yiyang Chen, University of Edinburgh
When we excitedly announced the Black Excellence Prize recently we were counting on young creatives to show us the spectrum of Black and Brown creativity and we have been thrilled with the results. The range of skill sets, agenda’s and creative exploration on display has been inspirational.
Here, our young creatives stretch out within their own cultural, emotional and political landscape; to explore territories, concepts and personal narratives through the Black Excellence Prize. This is what visibility looks like. Celebration, amplification and the rightful acknowledgment of such special creativity is our FACE DNA.
Mood Board: Rachel De Souza, The University of Huddersfield
The Black Excellence Prize is the first prize in 30 years where GFF have invited non-members to exhibit. We thanks to everyone who has given time and energy to shape this award, including Edward Enniful who consulted in the early days to suggest that non-member institutions be included. And of course we thank tutors who have supported their students to this joyous moment.
Mood Board: Fanta Shirif, De Montfort University
Our FACE panel of judges, consisting of 8 members from the co-founder and council group meant that all our entrants were witnessed and enjoyed. Seeing this work meant so much to FACE and we thank each creative for the inspirations and empowered creativity on the table. You are all a credit to us.
Now we proudly name the above creatives for progression to the next stage of judging in June, where they will meet, FACE co-founder Andrew Ibi, Designer Bianca Saunders and Art Director Harris Elliot. Read more here
Film still: Ruby Kiwinda, University of Brighton
One of the key things for FACE is recognition of the breadth of interests in this prize with a total of 38 design institutions represented by their young creatives. This space can only grow along with the ability of Black and Brown creatives and thinkers to take their place in our industry as leaders and influencers.
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Coventry University
Ravensbourne University of London
Camberwell College of Arts
University of East London
University of Huddersfield
University of East London
Leeds Beckett University
Nottingham Trent University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Kingston School of Art
Solent University
University of the Arts: Central Saint Martins
Robert Gordon UNIVERSITY
De Montfort University
Falmouth University
Plymouth Collage of Art
University of Edinburgh
Birmingham City University
Arts University Bournemouth
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Portsmouth
Solent University
Northumbria University Newcastle
Leeds Arts University
University of Northampton
Heriot-Watt University
University of Brighton
University for the Creative Arts Rochester
University of Salford
Leeds Arts University
University of Hertfordshire
University of The West England
University of West London
Northumbria University
NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
University of Portsmouth
The University for the Creative Arts, Epsom
Birmingham City University
Text Caryn Franklin