23 April - 13 June 2026

Graduate Showcase

Animated banner showing revolving green letter S and pink letter G in extreme close-up with dates for Graduate Showcase 2026 at ARU, Cambridge and online

Now an established event in Cambridge's creative and cultural calendar we're pleased to announce the dates for our Graduate Showcase 2026.

Grounded in real-world practice and driven by intent, our graduates emerge industry-ready — bringing with them the skills that matter, from creative thinking to bold innovation, to shape what comes next.

Be part of a programme of events this April, May and June — an opportunity to encounter fresh ideas, unexpected approaches and connect with new wave of artists, writers, performers and creative thinkers.

This year we’re going bigger and better than ever.

Our 2026 events:

23 April 2026: Cambridge Music Forum

28 April – 22 May: Festival of Performance incorporating:
28 & 29 April: Acting showcase
29 April: Performance Showcase VIP and Industry event
7-9 May: Smile - Musical Theatre
18-22 May: Drama showcase
22 May: Music Graduate Showcase
27-29 May: Film and Media Showcase
28 May 2026: Animation and Film Screening

4–13 June: Exhibition

4 June 2-3pm: Fashion Show

4 June 5-8pm: Exhibition Private View


Visit our Culture Calendar for full details and venues.

Woman smiling, wearing a cream sweater and red lanyard with "Cambridge Film Festival," standing against a wooden background with greenery.

"My time at ARU has strengthened both my creative voice and critical understanding of digital media. Through my involvement in the Cambridge and Watersprite Film Festival, I gained valuable industry experience and connections. I graduate feeling confident and excited to pursue a career in media and storytelling."

Duru Usanmaz

Film and Media

Smiling person with blond hair wearing a hoodie sits outdoors with blurred buildings and trees in the background.

"My time on the Fashion Design course has been such a great experience. I have learnt so many new skills from designing to constructing my own garments. I have worked harder than I have ever worked before, but it has all been worth it to create a final collection which I never thought I would be capable of."

Beth Allen

Fashion Design

Young woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair, smiling softly against a dark background.

"Studying Drama has enabled me to become a well-rounded creative. From acting skills to costume design, to tech, marketing and even being elected company manager for our graduate festival - the vocational experiences on this course have prepared me for my career in theatre writing and producing."

Melissa Gay

Drama

Nathaniel Fernandez in suit and tie

“This course was an adventure to be had. I felt like I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Even if I get scared, I just put one foot in front of the other and try to make the best choices I can. And if I screw up, that makes me want to do more for myself. That’s what makes me human.”

Nathaniel Fernandez

Film Production

Riva Gottlieb

"Being the first in my family to attend university made this journey incredibly meaningful. ARU has given me unforgettable friendships, inspiring mentors, and countless opportunities on stage and screen. From pantomime to film, I’ve grown so much and I’m excited to continue building my career in the Performing Arts."

Riva Gottlieb

Musical Theatre

Sabina Dichiu

"Studying Graphic Design at ARU has been an unforgettable journey. It transformed the way I think, how I see the industry, and how I approach every project. It also offered me the skills, and the confidence needed to step into a highly competitive and ever evolving field."

Sabina Dichiu

Graphic Design

Showcase Events

Events -Festival of Performance
Various Locations around Cambridge18 - 22 May 2026
Events2026 Music Graduate Showcase
Cambridge Junction, Cambridge, CB1 7GX22 May 2026, 21:00 - 22:30
EventsFilm and Media Showcase 2026
Lab 028, ARU Cambridge, CB1 1PT27 - 29 May 2026, 14:00 - 17:00
EventsAnimation and Film Student Work Screening 2026
Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge CB2 3AR28 May 2026, 14:00 - 17:00
EventsGraduate Showcase Fashion Show
Science Centre Atrium, ARU Cambridge Campus, East Road, CB1 1PT04 June 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
EventsGraduate Showcase 2026 Exhibition & Private View
Ruskin Gallery, ARU Cambridge Campus, East Road, CB1 1PT04 - 13 June 2026
EventsGraduate Showcase Industry Coffee Morning
Ruskin Gallery, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT12 June 2026, 11:00 - 13:00

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