An exhibition celebrating the work of the University of Creative Arts (UCA) – which is closing one of its Kent campuses – is set to open later this month.

The new split-site installation in Rochester aims to praise the institution, its students, graduates, alumni and staff for the past 130 years.

"UCA – A Retrospective: Creativity Past, Present and Future" will see 40 creative personalities showcasing their work, including fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, jeweller Stephen Webster MBE, and artist Billy Childish.

It will take place at both Rochester Art Gallery, in the High Street, and UCA’s Zandra Rhodes Gallery, at Fort Pitt. Admission is free for both venues.

It comes ahead of the planned closure of the Rochester campus later this year, with some of the student accommodation possibly being turned into HMOs.

The exhibition, which will focus on individual stories, features treasured sketchbooks, photographs, and personal testimonies from creatives, past and present, who have studied in Rochester over the past 130 years – with a variety of works on display in each location.

A special online gallery will accompany the show and will feature work from all the contributors.

Stephen Webster MBE said: “My course was the best start in life. It equipped me with the skills required for a life journey in an industry that could not have been more exciting and fulfilling.”

The university will be withdrawing from Rochester later this year and creating international centres of creativity at its three remaining campuses across Kent and Surrey.

Chris Wraith, head of Rochester campus at UCA, said: “We are, and always will be, proud of all our students, alumni and staff who have cultivated their creativity at Rochester. As this exhibition shows, it’s people who make a university and they will always be part of UCA – no matter where our buildings are based.

“This exhibition is about creativity in Rochester in the past, the present and the future because at UCA we remain committed to supporting communities across Kent and beyond to harness their creative talents.”

Cllr Howard Doe, deputy leader of Medway Council, said: "We are pleased to be hosting this iconic exhibition which celebrates the fantastic work of UCA students and famous alumni.

"Medway has always been home to a host of talented creatives, many of which have studied locally, and we are delighted to be celebrating the area’s creative talent both past and present in this exhibition."

The exhibition will run at Rochester Art Gallery from January 27 until April 15, and go on display at UCA’s Zandra Rhodes Gallery from January 27 until March 14.

Rochester Art Gallery is open between 9am and 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Zandra Rhodes Gallery is open between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.