Creative Clairvoyance: 10 Exhibitions that Showcase the Future of Creative Talent
Above all else, the creative industry needs talent.
The kind of talent with imagination, intuition and vision. The kind of talent that’s born and raised in today’s design schools, with the skills and ambition to redefine business and marketing as we know it. In a very real sense, the future of the creative industry is already here—in the classrooms of design schools around the world.
And the coolest part? You can get a sneak peak…
These 10 student exhibitions offer a prophetic glimpse into the future of creativity and innovation. And for the marketers and innovators of today, there’s no better way to get the jump on what (and who) might be coming next…
1. Columbus, OH | Columbus College of Art & Design: Chroma
Founded in 1879 as the Columbus Art School, CCAD is one of the oldest art schools in the US. CCAD brings this long tradition of artistic excellence to life every year with the Chroma exhibition.
2. Palo Alto, CA | Stanford D-School: SF Design Week
The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford—colloquially known as the “D-School”—has been a leading influence on the philosophy of Design Thinking. See the D-School’s industry-defining ideas on display at SF Design Week.
3. Pittsburgh, PA | Carnegie Mellon School of Design: Senior Art Exhibition
CMSD has been setting new standards in how we think about commercial art and design since 1900. Recently, the school helped pioneer the emerging field of Service Design. Each year, CMSD grads show their stuff at the annual Senior Art Exhibition.
4. Savannah, GA | Savannah College of Art and Design: Various Exhibitions
At SCAD, exhibitions are like smartphones—they’re everywhere, in all shapes and sizes. From student film screenings to thesis presentations, there’s always a chance to peak behind the curtain at this world-renowned haven for the creative spirit.
5. Highland Heights, KY | Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts: BFA Senior Exhibitions
Nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky, NKU’s SOTA offers several muse-worthy programs, from theatre and dance to visual arts and music. Check out the BFA Senior Exhibitions to see the creative climax of graduating students.
6. New York, NY | Parsons School of Design / New School: Parsons Festival
Often considered the top design school in the US, Parsons—part of New York’s “New School”—has been a leading force in the art of design since 1896. See the passion and panache of Parson’s students on display at the annual Parson’s Festival.
7. Cincinnati, OH | University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: DAAPWorks Showcase
UC’s DAAP ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious design schools, with programs in graphic arts, industrial design, architecture and fashion. DAAPWorks showcases the diverse output of each year’s graduating class.
8. London, UK | Royal College of Art: Graduate Exhibition
Founded in 1837, the RCA is the only entirely post-graduate design school in the world. And it’s one of the best—often placing first in QS World University rankings. RCA’s annual graduate exhibition brings a long tradition of artistic excellence to life.
9. Singapore | Singapore University of Technology and Design: ASD Gradshow
SUTD was founded by a former MIT professor with the mission to “build a better world through technology and design.” With a heavy focus in architecture and engineering, the annual ASD Gradshow showcases the technical beauty of design.
10. Berlin, Germany | Various Universities: State of Design
Every year, the art, science, mystery and mayhem of design come to life in full and fabulous effect at the State of Design expo in Berlin. You’ll experience edgy, eccentric awesomeness from Berlin’s leading design schools… and a whole lot more.
At Seed, we believe inspiration feeds the creative soul. And if you ever have the chance to attend any of the above exhibitions, we’re confident your inner muse will thank you. Any ideas for other exhibitions that should make this list? Drop us a line!
Also, if you’re looking to boost your creative horsepower be sure to check out our latest article on 5 Fantastic Creativity Conferences to Check Out in 2018.
As a member of Seed’s copywriting team, Matt Donahue marries his love for creative writing with a keen interest in product innovation, technology and science. He’s a graduate of Seton Hill University’s “Popular Fiction” master’s program and writes whenever he can.
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