In the movies, graduation means a time for mass impromptu musical numbers, with hitherto grumpy tutors clicking their fingers and swaying to the beat as students dance, perfectly choreographed, around the refectory. Happily in real life, graduation is a more serious business, with various chances to exhibit fresh and innovative work to the public.

A couple of shows caught our eye:More than 500 graduates are exhibiting at the annual Burt Brill and Carden Graduate Show 2010, entitled Hook, Line and Sinker. The Faculty Of Arts becomes the biggest art gallery in the south east, showcasing work from 25 courses from fashion and 3D design to photography.

Past graduates include legendary Biba designer Barbara Hulanicki, Turner Prize winners Keith Tyson and Rachel Whiteread, as well as Bond Street’s own Gresham Blake. Lucid is an exhibition of the diversity borne of The University of Brighton’s Photography BA(Hons) – a fine-art orientated class encouraging students to explore and experiment with the fullest depths of the photographic medium, bridging the gap between art school and art world. See it at Brighton Gallery, Grand Parade from Friday 4th-11th.

WORDS BY NICK COQUET