CSM Museum & Study Collection purchased works from graduating students since 1989 but in 2020, the Deans’ Award process took a new form - paying students a flat fee. The works from artists and designers selected for Deans’ Award 2021 demonstrate the depth and breadth for graduating students whose practice undertook a transformation catalysed by new conditions of making - restrictions under the pandemic lockdown.

The 2021 Deans’ Award cohort mark work create during a historical moment in time. Social issues, such as identity, race, gender, belonging, and smart use of materials in a wasteful age resonate throughout the selected works. The artists, performers and designers focus on humanistic spirit, which we attempt to emulate in the curatating of a digital exhibition.

Audio interviews contemplating heightened considerations and new footage of the archival objects were filmed to capture material qualities that often are missing through a computer screen.