A firm of solicitors is doing its best to rid the legal profession of its fusty image by sponsoring a major student art show.

Burt, Brill & Cardens (BB&C) is supporting final year work by students at the faculty of arts and architecture at the University of Brighton.

The Graduate Show, which takes place later this month, has developed a reputation for delivering high-calibre work. Previous exhibitors include Turner Prize winners Rachel Whiteread and Keith Tyson and controversial rising star Alison Lapper.

BB&C, which has offices in Brighton and Worthing, wants to raise its profile by sponsoring the event which last year attracted more than 15,000 visitors.

But the law firm claims its foray into art also helps its staff step outside the world of personal injury claims, probate and conveyancing.

Partner Richard Marshall said: "It's a fantastic thing for a firm of our size to be involved with.

"The range of the graduate work is staggering but there is always something that catches your imagination."

The partnership reflects a growing trend for businesses to sponsor the arts in Brighton and Hove.

A host of companies from multinationals to one-office firms gave more than £400,000 to this year's Brighton Festival.

Another law firm, DMH, has an art gallery in its reception in Queens Road, Brighton.

The Graduate Show, one of the biggest outside London, is a cultural highlight in Brighton and Hove.

Floors at the university in Grand Parade are taken over for the exhibition, making it the biggest temporary art gallery in the South-East.

The event showcases the fine arts, three-dimensional design, fashion, photography, architecture, dance, theatre, digital music, illustration and graphics.

Professor Bruce Brown, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, said: "Our sponsors at BB&C have been wonderful to work with - contributing ideas and participating in events with great commitment and enthusiasm.

"Overall, the continuing support of BB&C for this annual event has done much to raise the profile of our students' achievements, as well as contributing to the cultural life of Brighton."

BB&C partner Kevin Smyth added: "The show is a good way to get the name of the firm out and about in the marketplace.

"It helps us to raise our profile, particularly with other professionals in the city."

The Graduate Show is free and runs from Saturday, June 19, until Thursday, June 24.

Wednesday June 09, 2004