Ex University of Derby student to design programme cover

PRESS RELEASE 12th December 2015

25-year-old former University of Derby student Isabelle Wilkins from Barnsley (pictured outside Buxton's Dome with Fringe chair Keith Savage) has come up with the cover artwork for next year's Buxton Fringe programme.

The design was submitted after the Fringe met illustration students at the University last year and was chosen for its bold design and novel use of stitching and collage. A delighted Isabelle explains: "I like to work by layering colours and textures such as fabric and string and I wanted to do something bold and simple that invoked feelings of family, excitement and festivity."

The Fringe has a long history of working closely with its sponsor the University of Derby and is particularly pleased to be featuring art from one of its students for the second year. In 2014, illustration student Helen McIvor's sunny picture of Fringe Sunday was chosen for the cover.

Isabelle's colourful artwork will also be used on the Fringe flyer which is to be distributed from January next year. The Fringe itself, one of the largest open access arts festivals in England, takes place from July 8-26 with free printed programmes being widely available from the beginning of June. In the meantime entries are open for 2015 and events can be seen building up on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk where you can also find out how to take part.

Adds Fringe chair Keith Savage: "The Fringe will be working even closer with the University of Derby in 2015. We hope that some events management students will help make our presence on the Carnival procession on July 11th stronger than ever. Given that next year marks 175 years of well-dressing in the town we want to celebrate in style. We have also invited University students to become involved in organising Fringe Sunday - our free party in the Pavilion Gardens on July 12th. If the students can give us the same freshness and energy that Isabelle has in her design we'll be delighted."

- ends