Artists, designers and a creative community @ ANU School of Art

Art and design courses were first offered in Canberra in 1941 as part of the NSW technical education system. In 1976, the federal government restructured the ACT higher education sector and the Canberra School of Art was established as a separate institution. The vision was to develop a major centre for art education in the national capital. The new and refurbished buildings, officially opened in July 1981, received the RAIA Canberra Medallion and the National Sir Zelman Cowan Award for Architecture. In 2005, the School’s additions and extensions received the RAIA Canberra Chapter 25 Year Award.

The late 1970’s were a time of change and the foundation Director, Udo Sellbach took the opportunity to employ new staff and establish a comprehensive system which included the fine arts and the crafts, known collectively as the visual arts. The core philosophy, which derived from a post-Bauhaus philosophy of art education, was to make the practice of art the central imperative underpinning the teaching, curriculum, organizational structure, facilities and public programs. The School of Art blueprint established a dedicated Workshop system with a degree of autonomy for each to develop within its own traditions and operational requirements under the leadership of the new Heads of Workshop. The Workshops became the building blocks of the School and remain central to its structure today. The making process, together with theoretical and complementary studies, are the reference points for the operation of the School. Each Head of Workshop, together with the full- time and sessional staff are all practicing artists acknowledged in their fields. Workshop organisation and facilities have been established to provide a teaching environment closely related to day-to-day professional studio art practice. Complementing the Workshops, the School’s studies offer access to activities, facilities and staffing expertise in Computer Art, Video Art, Edition and Artist Books, Papermaking, Rapid Prototyping and Environment and Field Studies. The School’s programs are designed to give students experiences in specific art forms while fostering originality and innovation through the integration of concepts and skills. Special features of the School include national and international visiting artists in residence, overseas student exchange, a specialist library and resource centre, Art Gallery, Art Forum lectures and co- operation with the national cultural institutions.

The School of Art School @ University

The introduction of the Unified National System in the late 1980’s saw the merger with the Canberra School of Music, with its dedication to high level music performance, which created the Canberra Institute of the Arts in 1988. In 1989, art and music pooled resources to form the Australian Centre for Arts and Technology (ACAT). In 1992, the Institute’s affiliation with the Australian National University created new opportunities to capitalize on synergies possible in a larger intellectual environment which also includes Canberra’s national cultural institutions. In 2001, amalgamation with the ANU saw the Institute became the National Institute of the Arts, and fully part of the high profile internationally renowned teaching and research ANU. In this context, the ANU School of Art continued to develop its international reputation as a leading art educator offering undergraduate and research graduate programs in ceramics, glass, gold & silversmithing, painting, photomedia, printmedia and drawing, sculpture, textiles and furniture making. Reference to the rich heritage and traditions of the visual arts together with use of the moving image, installation, computers and multimedia applications are integral to the School’s philosophy. Cross-disciplinary interests and combined University degrees add to an impressive student profile.

In 2004, the Schools of Art and Music and the Centre for New Media Arts (formerly ACAT) were amalgamated with the ANU Faculty of Arts further enhancing the teaching and research environment for the creative arts. In 2005, in response to the challenge to broaden its student base, the ANU School of Art prepared for the introduction of a new Bachelor of Design Arts degree. The degree replicates the successful Bachelor of Visual Arts and aims to develop critical, analytical, research and communication skills enabling students to participate and contribute to the practice of designer/makers in contemporary crafts and design.

Throughout its development, the ANU School of Art has excelled as a model for artists and designers working as a creative community. Design Showcase, on exhibition Aug 25-Sept 25 in the ANU School of Art Gallery, presents the high quality craft/design work produced by the School of Art staff as part of their professional practice. The exhibition showcases the possibilities for objects designed and made by the School’s talented staff who provide the basis for the introduction of the new Design Arts degree in 2006.

The Design Showcase exhibition is a celebration of the talents, vision and sensibilities of the staff and their contribution to the success of the policies and programs, which are the core business of the ANU School of Art.

Prof. David WilliamsDirector,

ANU School of Art David Williams

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