GREEN GRADS, a key feature of Planted at King’s Cross, is a “show within a show” within the state-of- the-art Samsung KX experience space. It presents graduates who bring a broad and stimulating mix of “green” ideas, products,  installations and films that support the themes and aims of Planted. Hence the title: GREEN GRADS.

Some of our graduates reconnect us with nature, through plants, materials, craft and pattern. Others look at combating climate change and/or pollution. Our graduates also have new sustainable and circular ideas for production, and a fresh take on saving energy and water, and for conserving or replacing scarce resources. They are inventing eco-friendly materials and new foods. They are waging war on waste, and exploring ways to make making local. Ambitious, engaging, informative and inspirational, GREEN GRADS points towards a cleaner, greener way to live. 

Making use of Samsung’s amazing digital resources, our graduates’ ideas are expanded on screen with project visuals, engaging stories on film, insights into hands-on making, and imaginative animations.  Designers are there in person to talk you through their ideas, with samples and presentations. 

GREEN GRADS is presented by Deborah Spencer, co-founder and director of Planted (@planted_community) and curated by design advocate and commentator Barbara Chandler (@sunnygran).  The creative director of GREEN GRADS, who oversees show delivery, is Michael Czerwinski of Studio Tucktite (@studiotucktite). Film editor is David Morris of Design Exchange magazine (@demagazine). Textile consultant is Debbie McKeegan (@texINTEL).

As curator of Green Grads, Barbara Chandler makes numerous visits to universities and colleges for design/craft/art degree shows. She also extensively explores the major New Designers show in Islington.

She adds: “I have been inspired, awed even, by our UK graduates’ forensic approach, lateral thinking, imagination, enthusiasm and professional expertise, tackling not just the problems we know exist but also identifying new ones. The design industry and the wider public owe a huge debt to the design talent graduating within the UK each year.  These newest graduates play an important part in alleviating the problems of our natural world and meeting the environmental challenges ahead.  At GREEN GRADS, let us celebrate our future stars and put their talent to use.”

With particular thanks to our sponsors 2021

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