Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026: Exhibition Documentation of More to Come
Documentary David Oates Documentary David Oates

Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026: Exhibition Documentation of More to Come

Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026, titled More to Come, presented final-year work across Manchester Metropolitan University’s Oxford Road campus, with exhibitions installed throughout multiple buildings including dedicated spaces for Fine Art, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Performance and Digital Arts.

This post documents the exhibition itself during its public opening period, focusing on installed artworks, gallery spaces, and the presentation of student work across the Degree Show.

Unlike the opening night coverage, this set of images concentrates on how the work exists within the exhibition environment once installed and open to the public.

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Manchester School of Art Final Year Show Opening
Event, Documentary David Oates Event, Documentary David Oates

Manchester School of Art Final Year Show Opening

Manchester School of Art Degree Show 2026, titled More to Come, opened across Manchester Metropolitan University’s Oxford Road campus, presenting final-year work from students across art, design, architecture, fashion, performance and digital disciplines.

The Degree Show is a key annual exhibition within Manchester’s creative education calendar, transforming multiple university buildings into a public presentation of graduating student work. The 2026 exhibition continues this format, showcasing a wide range of practices developed within Manchester School of Art.

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Manchester Fashion Institute INTERFACES Showcase Photography
Documentary, Event David Oates Documentary, Event David Oates

Manchester Fashion Institute INTERFACES Showcase Photography

I photographed the Manchester Fashion Institute INTERFACES showcase at Manchester Metropolitan University on 19 May, documenting the runway presentations, exhibition spaces, and the atmosphere throughout the evening. The event brought together graduate fashion collections, digital work, and live presentations across Holden Gallery and the surrounding university spaces.

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Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery
Artists, Documentary David Oates Artists, Documentary David Oates

Photographing the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show at the Reopened Holden Gallery

The Holden Gallery in Manchester has now reopened following a major two-year refurbishment of the historic Grosvenor building, revitalizing its exhibition spaces and offering a fresh, contemporary setting for art. I was recently back at the gallery to photograph the 2024 Fine Art Masters Show, an annual highlight that showcases the incredible talent of emerging artists from across the UK.

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Documentary photography of Manchester School of Art - End of Year shows
Artists, Documentary David Oates Artists, Documentary David Oates

Documentary photography of Manchester School of Art - End of Year shows

As a freelance photographer, I’ve had the privilege of covering a range of events, from high-profile gallery openings to intimate artist workshops. But there’s something uniquely electric about photographing the Manchester School of Art’s Final Year Shows. This annual event is a visual feast—a whirlwind of creative expression that radiates youthful energy and bold experimentation.

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Manchester Met SODA Modal gallery opening
Documentary, Artists, Event David Oates Documentary, Artists, Event David Oates

Manchester Met SODA Modal gallery opening

The Modal Gallery at the Manchester School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a unique space that has become a hub of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Through its immersive exhibitions, cutting-edge technology, and interactive displays, the gallery has had a significant impact on the SODA community, helping to foster a sense of community and connection among students, faculty members, and industry professionals.

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School of Digital Arts (SODA) Opening at Manchester Metropolitan University – Event Photography
Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates Conference, Event, Documentary David Oates

School of Digital Arts (SODA) Opening at Manchester Metropolitan University – Event Photography

The opening of the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University marked an important moment for creative education in the UK and for the cultural life of Manchester itself. Designed as a centre for innovation in digital storytelling, film, animation, photography, sound, gaming and immersive media, the new SODA building represents a major investment in the future of the creative industries.

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Photography of High Street Task Force
Conference, Documentary, Event David Oates Conference, Documentary, Event David Oates

Photography of High Street Task Force

The High Streets Task Force was established to England's high streets and town centres to thrive - providing expert training, guidance data to the people who make them. Local leaders and partnerships are be able to access the latest data and evidence to inform their investment and regeneration decisions.

I was pleased to photograph the latest meeting of experts and representatives from the chosen towns at Manchester Metropolitan University business school. I was also able to photograph some portraits of the university staff at the conclusion of the meeting.

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