Students Showcase Royal Ballet & Opera Designs in Public Exhibition

Art & Design students from East Sussex College are preparing to unveil their work in a public exhibition as part of this year’s prestigious Royal Ballet & Opera Design Challenge.

The exhibition, Touched by Gold, will take place at the Star Brewery Gallery from Tuesday 17th – Sunday 22nd March (Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm & Sunday: 1pm-4pm), and will showcase the work of 25 Art & Design Extended Diploma students from the College’s Lewes campus.

Now in its fifth consecutive year exhibiting at the gallery, the partnership continues to celebrate emerging creative talent. This year’s challenge responds to Wagner’s epic opera, Das Rheingold, exploring themes of myth, nature, power, greed and corruption through Costume Design, Set Design, Marketing, and Wigs, Hair and Make-up.

Through bold visual storytelling, material experimentation and imaginative reinterpretation, students demonstrate how a 19th-century opera can be reimagined for contemporary audiences.

James DiBiase said, “Touched by Gold showcases the ambition, creativity and professionalism of our students. Competing nationally and responding to a work as powerful as Das Rheingold gives them invaluable real-world experience and a platform to shine.”

East Sussex College has built an outstanding reputation in the national competition, consistently achieving award-winning success and winning at least one national award for 14 consecutive years. Last year, the College proudly received two of the five national awards – a remarkable achievement in a competition that attracts entries from colleges across the country.

Come and support young designers at an early stage in their careers, and vote for their favourite piece. The “Best in Show” winner will be announced on Sunday 22nd March.

Whether you are passionate about theatre and design or simply curious to see fresh creative talent, Touched by Gold promises an inspiring and vibrant exhibition.