Two DMU alumni won exhibition awards at the recent All Shades of Brown event, held on campus.
All Shades of Brown is theMidlands’ first and only creative industries conference designed for and led by creatives from the Global Majority.
Held earlier this month at The Venue on campus, it brought together artists, students, funders and organisations for a day of discussion, reflection and action with the aim of supporting meaningful change within the sector.
The event offered a full day of engaging panels, workshops and performances that highlighted the experiences and creativity of Global Majority artists. Attendees heard from leading figures like British artist, curator and academic Keith Piper, and took part in sessions on authenticity and building sustainable careers. There was also a lively marketplace and exhibition.
During the event, current DMU students had the opportunity to meet with other Global Majority artists working in the Midlands to see where future success might lead them.
And congratulations are due to two recent DMU alumni, Sunny Gill (graduated 2022) and Abigail Rose (graduated in 2025) who both won exhibition awards at the event.
As DMU students and alumni reflected, it was an inspiring opportunity to learn, connect and feel part of a wider creative community – an event full of powerful conversations, regional representation and vital momentum for change:
“I'm absolutely delighted and honoured that my work was selected from the All Shades of Brown 2026 exhibition, a platform celebrating and amplifying Black, Brown and Global Majority creatives. Winning this award feels incredibly inspiring and motivates me to keep developing my voice and sharing my perspective through photography.”
Sunny Gill, graduated DMU 2022
“Everyone was very friendly and I learned a lot - about the work of related organisations in Leicester, the careers and experiences of other creatives, the history of the organisation and funding for artists of colour. There was a brilliant workshop from an experienced business leader with tips on running your own business. I made a lot of contacts, both with the people running the stalls and other attendees.”
Jasmin Conway, Level 5 student
Posted on Friday 27 February 2026