Art and Design Regional Outreach Programs

These programs celebrate outstanding creative talent across Queensland through weekend workshops and exhibitions for high school students.

The programs connect art, design and technology-focused students with our expert staff, creating a two-way dialogue that inspires students and exposes their early work to leading creative practitioners from QCAD .

All workshops are also open to teachers and school support staff looking to engage in Professional Development opportunities.

Enrolments are open to secondary school students in years 9 to 12. We encourage students who have demonstrated passion in any creative subject, including visual arts, manual arts, technology and design. Students of all skill levels are welcome; the only criteria are a passion for visual art, design and creativity. Schools can reach out to us at any time to discuss workshop opportunities and enquire about program for the current year. Students can enrol in our program by filling out the enrolment form by the closing date. Enrolment is free for students however places are strictly limited. We also offer fee paying limited places in each workshop for High School Teachers (any discipline) and School Support Staff to attend for Professional Development purposes. Cost for Teachers and Support Staff is $150 incl GST.

Contact us for the schedule for this year qcadregional@griffith.edu.au.

Our program is facilitated by leading Queensland College of Art & Design academic staff, who bring a range of professional industry experience and knowledge. Topics will include hands-on skills (i.e. painting, drawing, small sculpture) and theory (i.e. why these skills are important, how they relate to the world, career pathways). Participants will also learn about critical reflection, creative thinking, problem solving and how to speak about their creative process. Lead staff will encourage students to experiment with unfamiliar materials and explore new ways of using familiar materials, while building their creative confidence. We invite participants to be open and curious about the range of opportunities within visual art and design.

We encourage participants to have as much creative input into their projects as possible. Some aspects of the workshops are pre-planned to align with the materials and space that we have available. A typical workshop format might include some specific, structured or guided technical skill building activities or projects; however, the final project is often directed by the participant. The staff leading the workshops are all experienced visual art and design educators, and thrive on students wanting to try new things, experiment and explore their creative interests—we encourage this whenever we can! Our workshop structure also allows students to move across different projects where appropriate.

Yes! We always welcome contact from teachers and love to discuss workshop ideas. We work hard to align our program with the Australian Curriculum where we can. Our program is planned 6-12 months in advance, so please reach out early if you've got recommendations for our workshop content.

Our workshops are planned for Saturday and Sunday and will typically occur between 9-4pm. Times my vary for each venue to account for travel. Family and friends are invited to attend our exhibition at the close of the workshop on Sunday.

What items should participants bring? Pencil and eraser, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (optional). Any other personal items that you would usually require for a day at school.

What should participants wear? Comfortable casual clothing (e.g. school free-dress day) and covered footwear (no thongs, sandals or high heels). Some workshops could get messy (eg: paint), so avoid wearing anything expensive or precious. Participants are welcome to bring a change of clothes if they prefer.  Participants are not required to wear their school uniform.

Participants will receive a lanyard, a QCAD Art & Design School Program tote bag, a QCAD Art and Design School Program visual diary and catered lunch and light snacks. Students are also invited to take home any art that they make.

The program is free for students in school grades 9 – 12. Limited places are available in each workshop for High School Teachers (any discipline) and School Support Staff to attend for Professional Development purposes. Cost for Teachers and Support Staff is $150 incl GST.

Yes. Lunch and light snacks are included for all participants. Everyone is encouraged to also bring a water bottle.

Participants and their families are required to organise their own accommodation and transport for the duration of the program.