Visual arts is one of the oldest and earliest parts of what is now Federation University, along with mining and engineering it’s been taught for more than 100 years.
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It’s unknown exactly when the tradition of the end of year arts exhibition began, but the showcase of works from graduating students began early on and continues to this day.
The professional artists and designers of the future are now showing the world their talents in Federation University’s annual Arts Academy end of year exhibition.
More than 30 graduating students from six different courses have their final-year work on display at the Ballarat Mining Exchange, whose prominent position next to the Art Gallery of Ballarat has been drawing in tourists and art lovers alike.
“This is a real celebration of their achievements and accomplishments,” said Fed Uni’s deputy dean of the school of arts Carole Wilson.
“People might think it’s just one group of students but we’ve got graduating students from the Bachelor of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Communication Design, Bachelor of Creative Arts (honours), Diploma of Graphic Design, Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design and Graduate Diploma of Ceramics,” Ms Wilson said.
Students showing work in the EYE exhibition have completed four, three or one year courses.
The exhibition is designed to not only show off the creative talents of graduates, but to give them real-life experience in the art world.
“It’s an opportunity for students to learn about professional presentation of work, what are the conventions of creating exhibition labels to go next to the art work, all those kind of details that they may not have encountered,” she said.
“For most students their time at uni is spent perfecting their skills and techniques. They might have some chance to exhibit during the course of their degree … but some students don’t necessarily get that chance.”
Participating students must also commit to manning the exhibition, which is open daily until December 9.
“It’s a useful opportunity for students to sit there and engage with the general public who want to come in and have a chat, ask what it’s all about, ask about the student’s work and the fact that some of the work is for sale means students are responsible for having those sort of discussions and putting potential buyers in touch with artists.”
Many of the works are for sale to the public giving viewers the chance to buy original artworks at reasonable prices. The Arts Academy EYE Exhibition 2018 is open 10am to 3pm at the Ballarat Mining Exchange until December 9.
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