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Camberwell College of Arts showcases socially engaged student projects exploring memory, identity, and community

Sunday, 21 September 2025 4:05AM UTC

Students at the University of the Arts London’s Camberwell College of Arts present innovative projects tackling themes of migration, memory, and community, highlighting the college’s commitment to socially responsible creative practice.

The University of the Arts London’s Camberwell College of Arts recently showcased a series of compelling student projects that delve into themes of cultural identity, community, and the emotional resonance embedded in everyday experiences. Among the standout works is a publication titled There's Food at Home by graphic design student Valinnie Crasto. This project uses an embroidered tablecloth and accompanying publication to explore the nostalgic and communal connections that food can evoke, particularly in the context of home and migration. Through research, interviews, and workshops, Crasto investigates how cooking and sharing food can serve as a powerful catalyst for memory and belonging, symbolising care and interwoven personal histories.

Equally evocative is The Scent of Memory by Nikita Basra, another graphic design student, who examines the intimate bond between scent and memory through the lens of South Asian culture. By crafting a collection of handmade incense sticks using traditional ingredients like turmeric, cardamom, coconut, and cumin, Basra’s work highlights how culturally specific aromas can deeply evoke emotional and cultural identity among migrant communities. This sensory exploration underscores the potent role that scent plays in preserving heritage and personal histories.

Also gaining attention is Common., a multidisciplinary exhibition curated by Gemma Tucker that foregrounds working-class artists, a group historically underrepresented in gallery spaces. Held in Peckham, the exhibition creatively reconceptualised the gallery environment by incorporating elements associated with traditional working-class cafés, including relevant slang and familiar visuals. This immersive setting aimed to foster inclusivity and accessibility, while the exhibition’s publications and welcome packs extended its reach beyond the physical space. Tucker’s curatorial work aligns with her background and commitment to using design as a bridge to connect authentic human stories rooted in class identity.

These projects are part of a larger showcase featuring innovative work from students across a variety of disciplines at Camberwell College of Arts, including fine art, interior design, and graphic design. Each project thoughtfully engages with contemporary social themes, whether through spatial design aimed at improving mental well-being, explorations of AI-driven image classification, or community-centred art practices. The college’s statement emphasises its dedication to fostering creativity that challenges traditional practices while encouraging social responsibility and critical thinking.

Camberwell College of Arts offers a diverse range of courses, from fine art disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, to design-focused programmes including graphic design, illustration, and interior and spatial design. The college supports students in blending traditional craftsmanship with digital technologies, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the art and design landscape.

This showcase not only highlights the talent and innovation of individual students but also serves as a reflection of the college’s commitment to nurturing socially engaged and culturally relevant creative practice. The projects underscore the powerful ways that art and design can interrogate identity, memory, community, and social structures, making the personal political and the everyday extraordinary.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - This article showcases various projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, including a publication exploring the sentimental value of cooking food at home, a book on how scents from South Asian cuisine can evoke memories, and an exhibition focused on working-class artists. The projects are presented by students from different courses, highlighting their innovative approaches to art and design.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - The article features student projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, such as a publication examining the sentimental value of cooking at home, a book exploring how South Asian cuisine scents can evoke memories, and an exhibition centred on working-class artists. These projects reflect the students' creative and critical engagement with contemporary issues in art and design.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - This piece highlights student projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, including a publication delving into the sentimental value of cooking food at home, a book investigating how scents from South Asian cuisine can evoke memories, and an exhibition focusing on working-class artists. The projects demonstrate the students' exploration of cultural identity and social themes through art and design.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - The article presents student projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, such as a publication exploring the sentimental value of cooking at home, a book on how scents from South Asian cuisine can evoke memories, and an exhibition highlighting working-class artists. These projects showcase the students' engagement with personal and cultural narratives through art and design.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - This article features student projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, including a publication examining the sentimental value of cooking food at home, a book exploring how scents from South Asian cuisine can evoke memories, and an exhibition focused on working-class artists. The projects reflect the students' creative responses to cultural and social themes in art and design.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/09/20/food-publication-university-of-the-arts-london-camberwell-schoolshows/ - The piece highlights student projects from the University of the Arts London Camberwell, such as a publication delving into the sentimental value of cooking at home, a book investigating how scents from South Asian cuisine can evoke memories, and an exhibition centred on working-class artists. These projects demonstrate the students' exploration of identity and community through art and design.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative appears to be original and recent, with no evidence of prior publication or recycled content. The use of specific student names and project details suggests a high level of originality. 🕰️

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: No direct quotes are present in the narrative, indicating a high level of originality. 🕰️

Source reliability

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative originates from Dezeen, a reputable design and architecture publication, lending credibility to the information presented. ✅

Plausability check

Score: 10

Notes: The narrative presents plausible and coherent information about student projects at Camberwell College of Arts, with no inconsistencies or red flags. The specific details about the projects and students suggest authenticity. ✅

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is original, recent, and sourced from a reputable publication, with no signs of disinformation or recycled content. The specific details about student projects and the use of direct quotes further support its credibility. ✅

Art and design education
Socially engaged art
Cultural identity