WAES Creative Showcase 2026 celebrates creative innovation
Creative talent took centre stage on Friday 26 June as learners, staff, governors, family members and friends gathered at our Lisson Grove Centre for the annual WAES Creative Showcase 2026.
One of the highlights of the WAES calendar, the Creative Showcase celebrates the achievements of learners across our creative programmes and provides an opportunity to share their work with family, friends and the wider community. This year’s event also made extensive use of our Green Skills Innovation Centre (GSIC), demonstrating how innovative learning spaces can create new opportunities to present and experience creative work.
The evening began with a welcome in the Learning Centre from WAES Principal Arinola Edeh, followed by speeches from Head of Creative Industries Dominic Harris and Chair of Governors Professor Alex Hughes. We were also delighted to welcome Councillor San Abishev, representing the Westminster City Council Cabinet Member responsible for WAES, Councillor Tim Barnes, who was unable to attend the event.
Guests included current and former governors, staff, learners and their families, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and pride.
A new immersive experience for fashion and film
This year’s showcase introduced a new format for presenting fashion and media work using the immersive classroom within the Green Skills Innovation Centre.
Across three projection walls, visitors experienced a specially created digital fashion presentation featuring filmed catwalk sequences alongside detailed photography of garments and craftsmanship. The format combined the energy and movement of a traditional fashion show with opportunities to appreciate close-up details that are often difficult to see from a runway audience. The video below captures the central projection wall, but visitors were surrounded by additional imagery and learner credits displayed across three walls, creating a fully immersive experience.
The immersive space also featured trailers, highlights and other creative content produced by learners from our Creative Media Production and Technology courses, all presented on a continuous 20-minute loop throughout the evening so that as many visitors as possible could experience the work.
In an adjoining room, guests were able to watch the full range of learner films in a darker, cinema-style setting with enhanced audio, creating an even more engaging viewing experience.
Ceramics exhibition transformed into gallery space
A standout feature of this year’s event was a dedicated ceramics exhibition in one of the GSIC’s largest teaching spaces.
The room was transformed into a gallery environment, with clean white walls, improved lighting and carefully displayed pieces enabling visitors to focus on the quality and individuality of each learner’s work. The exhibition showcased a wide range of styles, techniques and creative approaches, reflecting the breadth of talent across our ceramics programmes.
Visitors to the showcase were also able to view selected fashion garments displayed on mannequins within the GSIC, providing an opportunity to see some of the featured pieces up close.
Creative work across every floor
Artwork was displayed throughout the building, creating a trail of creativity for guests to explore.
Fine art pieces lined the main staircase and second floor, while graphic design projects and three-dimensional product design work were showcased across the floor. Additional ceramics were also displayed alongside photography celebrating the work of our Hairdressing and Makeup learners, who contributed their skills to the fashion showcase production.
Most of the featured work was produced by learners studying UAL-accredited creative programmes up to Level 3, while displays also included artwork created by learners from our Community and Cultural Learning department, including those attending art and wellbeing courses at the nearby Lilestone Street Community Hub.
The event was further enhanced by dramatic, colour-themed floral displays from our floristry team at reception and within the Learning Centre, welcoming guests as they arrived.
Exploring green skills
The showcase also provided an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the facilities available within the Green Skills Innovation Centre.
The Green Lab was open throughout the evening, with visitors able to explore full-size training models including solar panels, a heat pump, wall and roof insulation systems, and a rainwater harvesting installation. Staff were on hand to explain how learners use the facilities to develop practical skills for the growing green economy.
Celebrating collaboration and achievement
The success of the evening reflected the creativity, dedication and collaboration of learners and staff across multiple curriculum areas, as well as the support of colleagues who helped organise and deliver the event.
Following the showcase, Principal Arinola Edeh praised the event, highlighting both the outstanding quality of learner work and the successful introduction of the immersive digital fashion format. The immersive fashion and media presentations were made possible through the work of staff across Creative Industries and Digital Learning, who collaborated to transform learner work into an engaging immersive experience.
The Creative Showcase continues to provide an important platform for learners to celebrate their achievements, share their creative journeys and inspire future progression in education, employment and the creative industries.
Visit the ceramics exhibition
If you missed the Creative Showcase, there is still an opportunity to view part of the event.
The Ceramics Exhibition remains open until Thursday 2 July, from 10.00am to 3.00pm, in the Green Skills Innovation Centre, Lisson Grove Centre. Visitors are asked to sign in at reception on arrival.
Ceramics learners will be available during exhibition opening times to discuss their work and creative processes with visitors.
Photo galleries
Speeches
Immersive fashion showcase
Immersive creative media showcase
Creative media film viewing
Ceramics exhibition
Art exhibition
Graphic design exhibition
Green Lab display
General photos
