So says, Toby Scott, former Director of the Arts Council UK and founder of Pentacle Ireland who was speaking at the LYIT Design Graduate Show 2009.  He was referring to the tough economy and reflected that “design is an economic driver for the future and graduates will continue to be much sought after.  Creativity will play a key role in the new economy.”

The Grad Show is an annual event which is now drawing plenty of interest; over 200 people attended the opening recently.  It’s an opportunity for Design and Creative Media students to present their work to others and the general public.  Altogether 77 students across five programmes showcased their designs which included for the first time the Masters students in Motion Graphics.

Students from LYIT have won a number of national awards and Emmet Rock, a graduate in Product Design, has been offered a place at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano to undertake his Masters in Product Design.

Nollaig Crombie, Head of Department of Design & Creative Media, commented, “The show continues to grow year on year, once again I’m impressed by the creativity and talent.  Results this year are outstanding, and I look forward to the seeing the students progress in the future.”

“Sadly this is the final show for lecturer Guy Stephenson who will retire after 35 years; he’ll be greatly missed by students and colleagues.”

Click here to view samples of the students' work.