UG Degree Show Awards
News
BSU students awarded commissions for permanent artwork at Newton Park
Friday, 12 June, 2026Bath Spa University has recognised two graduating Art and Design students with Vice-Chancellor commissioning awards at the 2026 Undergraduate Degree Show – a week long exhibition where students from the University’s Art and Design courses have the opportunity to showcase their final projects to the public.
Now in their second year, the awards give graduating students the opportunity to create permanent artwork for Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus, reflecting the creativity of the University’s Art and Design students throughout the years.
The first award, a £1,000 Library Commission, was awarded to BA Photography student Bryanna Knight. Recognised for her exceptional talent, dedication to her craft and constant support of others, Bryanna embodies the spirit of Locksbrook’s community. The awarded money will be used to create a piece of art for BSU’s Newton Park library.
Reflecting on her time at BSU and the commission, Bryanna said:
“It’s such an honour to be given this opportunity, and I am beyond grateful for the people who have helped me understand my practice more and stopped to help me - my family, my friends, my tutors, and our amazing technicians. I’m still trying to fully grasp the level of support and love that has been shared since the opening of our Degree Show, and winning an award alongside my friend Ava was even more special.”
She continued:
“I’m so excited to continue sharing my practice and experimenting with this opportunity, which puts my work in a more accessible space. To have my work on the walls of a place that has helped me investigate and understand so much makes me hope that the work I create sparks curiosity in others.”
The second award, the £1,250 Vice-Chancellor Commission, has been presented to BA Fine Art student, Ava Berriman. Ava's practice is rooted in themes of connection and community, concepts that have distinguished her work throughout her time at BSU. The commission will see her create a new piece for Newton Park’s Main House. Ava will also be continuing her journey at BSU as a Graduate Fellow.
Discussing the award and what it means to her, Ava said:
“I’m so grateful to have been chosen alongside the brilliant Bry for this award – I really didn’t see it coming! After making work for the Degree Show that I hope has allowed participants to reconnect with their own curiosity and playfulness, being given the chance to extend my practice to the Newton Park campus provides even more possibilities for experimentation and community building.
“Thanks to all the tutors, tech, staff members and students at Locksbrook. I feel very lucky to be in this position and only hope to keep representing even half of the community spirit at Locksbrook.”
Announcing the awards at the Undergraduate Degree Show Private View on Friday 5 June, Vice-Chancellor, Georgina Andrews, praised both students for their achievements and contributions to BSU over the last 3 years.
You can catch the Undergraduate Degree Show at BSU’s Locksbrook Campus from until 13 June. Entry is free, with the showcase open each day from 10 am – 6 pm.