(This story is sponsored by Emily Carr University of Art + Design.)

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a world-renowned school and Vancouver institution, which has produced some of the city’s most famous and influential artists, like Douglas Coupland and Molly Bobak,  who have contributed globally to the cultural sector and economy. So it’s no surprise that the annual graduation exhibition has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Show, featuring the work of more than 300 graduating students, gives the school and the public a chance to celebrate and invest in the next generation of talent.

“Our alumni go on to win major art awards, found innovative startups, and design solutions to society’s most pressing problems,” says Rob Maguire, the university’s director of marketing and communications. “In many ways, The Show is an exciting opportunity to peek into our future and to meet the people who will lead us there.”

This year’s exhibition—taking place for two weeks, from May 4 to May 19—will transform Emily Carr’s campus (520 East 1st Avenue) into the largest gallery in Vancouver. Student works will be displayed on all four levels of the stunning building, giving members of the public a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the $122-million, purpose-built campus, which was completed in 2017.

The Show is free to attend is recommended for anyone with an interest in art, design, and media. The exhibition kicks off with a special opening event, taking place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 3.

“The opening night of The Show always draws a large crowd,” Maguire says. “Thousands of people from across the city come to celebrate with our graduating students and to see what Vancouver's brightest young creatives are capable of. This year, the Friday-night celebration will also feature four themed lounges along with DJs, food trucks, a candy bar, and other fun surprises.”

The now famous show has become a highlight of the Vancouver arts calendar, but even seasoned attendees can expect to see something different and inspiring. The online catalogue of the work of 2019’s graduating students will be available on May 4. In the meantime, those interested can see the previous years’ catalogue at theshowcatalogue.ecuad.ca.

Although the new location is a sight to behold in itself, visitors will be able to view a vast array of works from all 11 academic majors and five degree programs: bachelors of fine arts, media arts, and design and masters of fine arts and design.

“Every graduating student can participate in The Show, so there’s a really diverse range of work on exhibit,” Maguire says. “You’ll see painting, photography, and sculpture in our galleries and watch film and animation in our theatres. You can check out innovative projects in augmented reality and wearable tech and learn about student research in health, design, and sustainability.”

At The Show, attendees can also see preview screenings of all the films created by the class of 2019, including works of 2-D and 3-D animation and film/video + integrated media.

From the students’ perspective, The Show represents a culmination of many hours of hard work during their time at Emily Carr before they embark on the next chapter of their careers.

“Some students have spent a month or two working on their contribution to The Show, while others may have spent an entire semester or more,” Maguire says. “In many ways, though, students have been working toward this exhibition since they first walked through the university's doors four years ago.”

Emily Carr was established in 1925 and is now a world leader in education and research. By encouraging experimentation in art, design, media, and technology, the school offers an interdisciplinary environment in which students’ creativity can thrive.

For those interested in pursuing a postsecondary education at the school, The Show presents a wonderful opportunity to be inspired and explore the possibilities available to them. Prospective students can not only look at the work but they can also talk to the students to get a sense of university life.

“For anyone thinking about studying at Emily Carr, coming to The Show will give you a taste of what students are creating in our many programs,” Maguire says. “At opening night, you can meet our grads and ask them about their experience. Most of all, though, I hope The Show will spur your imagination and get you thinking about what is possible.”

The Show is free and open to the public from Saturday (May 4) to Sunday (May 19) at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (520 East 1^st Avenue). For more information or to RSVP via the event's Facebook page, visit the website at theshow.ecuad.ca.