University of the Arts London (UAL) is proud to announce Happening to Be, its first ever exhibition showcasing the work of five distinguished artists, designers, and directors who ‘happen to be’ black.

The exhibition aims to inspire students, staff and the general public by celebrating the artistic achievements of some of the University’s black alumni.

Highlights of the Happening to Be exhibition, which is open to the public, include:

• A maquette of Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle by artist and Turner prize nominee Yinka Shonibare MBE, first unveiled on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. Shonibare graduated in Fine Art at Byam Shaw College of Art in 1989, now part of Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design.
• Four prints and a compilation of broadcast videos by multi award-winning creative director and philanthropist Trevor Robinson CBE, who is responsible for the infamous Tango soft drinks commercials [during the 90’s.]. Robinson graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design.
• Newcastle-born filmmaker Ngozi Onwurah, best known for her BAFTA award-winning film and BBC drama Shoot the Messenger. Onwurah graduated in BA Film from Saint Martins School of Art, now Central Saint Martins, in 1987.
• Saville Row master tailor Professor Andrew Ramroop OBE, showing how his incredible craftsmanship and design acumen have made him renowned as one of Britain’s most highly-respected tailors. Ramroop studied MA Tailoring at London College of Fashion, graduating in 1974.
• International artist and leading educator, Professor Ablade Glover OBE who studied Textiles at Central School of Arts and Crafts, graduating in 1962. Glover rose to become Dean of the College of Art at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in his homeland of Ghana.

For more information please visit the University of the Arts London website.