The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) will present its annual graduate thesis exhibition, RISD Grad Show 2026, showcasing the thesis projects of students completing their master’s degrees. This event celebrates the innovative contributions of new RISD graduates and features a digital publication alongside the physical exhibition. Students from a diverse array of departments, including Architecture, Ceramics, Design Engineering, and more, will have their work displayed. The digital showcase will be accessible at risdgrad.show starting May 21.
The exhibition will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Halls C & D from May 21 to 30, 2026. Visitors can enjoy the show for free, open to the public daily from noon to 5pm, with extended hours from 10am to 5pm on May 30, coinciding with RISD’s Commencement. An opening reception is scheduled for May 20 from 6 to 8pm.
RISD Grad Show 2026 offers insights into the creative journey of students, featuring works at various stages from initial sketches to finished pieces. The exhibition captures the essence of each student’s experience within RISD’s dynamic graduate programs. As in previous years, the expansive 43,000-square-foot space will be uniquely designed with over 2,000 linear feet of walls, creating smaller gallery spaces. This setup allows students to exhibit multiple works or large installations developed over one to three years of intensive research and creation.
Graduate studies at RISD unite a global community of artists, designers, and thinkers who engage in research, experimentation, and creation, continually expanding the horizons of their practice. For additional information, visit risd.edu.
