East Sussex College student selected to exhibit at prestigious London art showcase

An East Sussex College art student has been selected to showcase her work at one of the UK's leading exhibitions celebrating emerging creative talent.

Charlotte Kennedy, who has just completed the Level 3 UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at the College's Eastbourne campus, has been chosen to exhibit her work at Origins Creatives 2026, taking place at the renowned Mall Galleries in London from 15th-18th July.

Charlotte's project, Aids to Vision, was selected from more than 600 submissions by UAL Awarding Body curator Calum Hall. The thought-provoking piece explores the development and history of visual assistance, examining the technologies that extend and enhance human vision while encouraging viewers to question their own perception.

Explaining the inspiration behind her work, Charlotte said: "I explored optical illusion and double images so that you are not only perceiving the subject matter surrounding vision but having to also alter your perception of your vision to see both images interchangeably."

Charlotte specialised in Illustration during her Foundation Diploma and is one of a select group of students chosen to exhibit at the annual Origins Creatives exhibition.

Origins Creatives is UAL Awarding Body's flagship annual exhibition, celebrating the next generation of creative talent. Curated by leading arts organisation Creative Debuts, the exhibition showcases exceptional work from students across the UK, featuring visual art, fashion, photography, film, music and performance.

Matthew Kemp, Head of Curriculum for Creative Industries at East Sussex College, said: "We're incredibly proud of Charlotte's achievement. To be selected from more than 600 submissions is a fantastic recognition of her creativity, dedication and talent.

"The Foundation Diploma encourages students to push boundaries, develop their own artistic voice and create meaningful work, and Charlotte's selection for Origins Creatives is a wonderful example of what our students can achieve. We look forward to seeing her work exhibited at the Mall Galleries this summer."

Origins Creatives 2026 will take place from 15th-18th July at the Mall Galleries in London, offering visitors the opportunity to discover some of the UK's most exciting emerging creative talent. The exhibition is free to attend, with no booking required, giving visitors the chance to view Charlotte's work alongside some of the country's most promising emerging creatives.