Graduates of the TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) were told by Limerick’s own Blindboyboatclub to look at the walls around them and recognise their role in a profound transformation—turning a historical place of “failure” into a revolutionary site of creativity” at this year’s LSAD Graduate Showcase 2026.
The annual LSAD Graduate Show welcomed over one thousand visitors throughout the day. Members of the public, industry professionals, and families of LSAD’s students filled the campus to explore the diverse and innovative works of this year’s graduating class.
A highly anticipated and special part of this year’s show was an exclusive exhibition titled Future Perfect / An Fháistineach Fhoirfe, curated by the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).
Addressing the students at the official Graduate Showcase launch, guest speaker and alumnus Blindboyboatclub reminded the graduates of the power of their artistic presence: “Because of the history of this particular site, all acts of creativity performed in this building are revolutionary. You’re bringing passion, love, playfulness and creativity back into a site where there has been nothing but misery.”
The renowned podcaster and author spoke about how important LSAD is to him: “I was an autistic kid in school, I was really, really unhappy. When I came here… you don’t have to wear a uniform, you don’t have to turn up on time. You can do whatever you want. There’s a garden outside. I could be as autistic as I wanted, and I flourished. So, thank you LSAD.”
Global Travel Award Winner
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2026 Global Travel Award, which was presented to Isac Kossivi, known professionally as Kodjo.
A graduate of the BA (Hons) in Fine Art—Sculpture & Combined Media at LSAD, Kodjo was selected for the prestigious €5,000 award by an independent expert panel comprising Ann Davoren (Director, West Cork Arts Centre), Paul Fahy (Artistic Director, Galway International Arts Festival), and Anna O’Sullivan (Director, Butler Gallery).
The award, which aims to support emerging artists in undertaking international travel and research, will enable Kodjo to travel to Ghana to work with internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, gaining invaluable experience and connections to enrich his creative practice.
A Celebration of Talent
This year’s graduating class joins an esteemed lineage of LSAD alumni who have gone on to become well-known artists and cultural figures, including painters Conor Harrington and John Shinnors, comic book creator Declan Shalvey, performance artist Amanda Coogan, fashion designers Joanne Hynes, Marion Murphy Cooney and Aoife McNamara.
The Clare Street exhibition was a flagship event within the wider Graduate Showcase Season. This season-long program celebrates the breadth of creative talent across the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), linking exhibitions and events to showcase the multi-disciplinary achievements of LSAD graduates. The Showcase Season highlighted the full scope of the university’s creative output, including final-year exhibitions from graduates at both the Clonmel and Athlone campuses.
Reflecting on the overwhelming public response, Dean of LSAD, Professor Anthony Caleshu, praised the atmosphere and community engagement. “The success of the event is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff.”
“Creating a space that shows the community and the wider public that the historic grounds of LSAD are here to be explored was deeply important to us. It is a shared environment to be celebrated and enjoyed by the city and region —and it gives everyone a chance to experience these important next generation artists, designers and creative and digital media makers.”