Origins Creatives 2026: celebrating the next generation of creative talent
- Written byUAL Awarding Body
- Published date 16 April 2026
This summer, UAL Awarding Body’s Origins Creatives exhibition returns – with brand new ideas and perspectives from the work of emerging creatives from across the UK.
As part of University of the Arts London, UAL Awarding Body champions the next generation through qualifications that empower students to explore, experiment and realise their creative potential. Origins Creatives is a vibrant extension of that mission: an annual celebration of student achievement that places their work centre stage.
Now in its third year at Mall Galleries, the exhibition has quickly become a highlight in the creative calendar. It will once again transform the gallery into a dynamic showcase of talent - from Entry Level through to Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Visitors can expect an inspiring mix of disciplines, including art and design, fashion, creative media, music and performing arts. The gallery will once again be full of striking paintings and photography, immersive installations, animation and sound – all as a reflection of the diversity and ambition of today’s young creatives.
Last year alone, around 2,000 visitors experienced over 150 pieces of student work – each offering a glimpse into the inspirations shaping the next generation.
Origins is a moment of recognition for students, educators and those in creative communities to come together and celebrate the dedication behind each piece on display.
Having hosted Origins Creatives for the past two years – and returning again this year – the team at Mall Galleries have seen first-hand the impact of the exhibition. We spoke to them about what makes this collaboration so special.
What has stood out to you most about working with UAL Awarding Body?
We are consistently inspired by the way UAL Awarding Body champions the creativity of young adults - and how they consistently push this to the forefront of all of their activities.
The team themselves are incredible. Not only are they organised, passionate and responsive, but they are a joy to work with because every decision they make is incredibly intentional and always places the best interest of students and their practices at the heart.
We are really proud that UAL Awarding Body are returning as a client for the third year in a row, as we really value the working relationship we have developed with them over the years.
From a venue perspective, what makes Origins Creatives a unique exhibition compared to others you host throughout the year?
Our exhibition programme primarily consists of figurative art, usually presented through a traditional salon style hang. The amazing thing about Origins Creatives is that the curation of the exhibition always pushes the venue to the full and really leans into its versatility. From sculptures hanging from the ceiling and ambitious installations to unique digital artwork, videography and music, there is such an exciting variety of talent on display.
Origins Creatives has reshaped the possibilities within the space, and we often use the exhibition as an excellent case study to illustrate to other exhibitors just what is possible at Mall Galleries.
As the home of the Federation of British Artists, why is it important to create space for emerging student voices at this stage in their creative journey?
Mall Galleries is home to the Federation of British Artists, a visual arts charity founded in 1961. Our mission is to empower and platform living artists and encourage emerging talent to continue developing their craft, expand their reach and build a strong network.
Hosting Origins Creatives at Mall Galleries is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to exhibit their work in a central London gallery, and we are proud to provide that platform. For many established artists, it can take years to show their work in a venue of this scale and reputation.
That’s why we believe it’s so important to support artists early in their journey - helping nurture their talent and confidence. We hope this experience not only inspires the students but also becomes a valuable milestone they can proudly include on their CVs!
Within today’s creative context, what excites you most about the work students are producing through UAL Awarding Body qualifications? Are there any particular works that have stood out?
The work on display is always visually intriguing and experimental. We find that the artwork is often informed by current social and political issues and contexts, which we feel is important for young people to engage with and produce art inspired by.
One piece that stood out to us was ‘The Boy and the Fly’ by Nell Charnock, exhibited in 2025. We appreciated this installation for its humorous visual presentation, featuring a sculpture of a giant fly, which contrasted with its powerful message: a call for urgent action to support sustainable farming practices and strengthen child protection laws in order to break the cycle of exploitation.
We were also drawn to the artwork ‘Gun Metal’ by Teig Hyde-Corrin, also exhibited in 2025. We thought this painting was an effective example of how students incorporate personal, real-life experiences into their artistic practice, while still allowing for universal interpretation.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with UAL Awarding Body, and why do you value this ongoing partnership?
We greatly value our collaboration with UAL Awarding Body because of the energy and diversity the exhibition brings into the venue every summer. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing a young audience engage with the space - students proudly standing beside their work and sharing it with their guests and gallery visitors. Their excitement and fresh perspectives create a really inspiring atmosphere.
Supporting emerging artists at this early stage of their careers aligns closely with our wider mission. It’s an honour to help provide a professional platform for young creatives and to see them feel proud and confident presenting their work. We’re very proud to be associated with the UAL Awarding Body, and we hope our partnership continues to flourish in the years to come.
Submissions for Origins Creatives 2026 are open from Monday 18 May until Friday 19 June. To find out more information about the exhibition and submissions, visit Origins Creatives 2026.