The Arts

Potter Museum of Art

Recently, the Art Academy had the honour of visiting Melbourne University’s Potter Museum of Art, to view the 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art exhibition.  We had the opportunity to explore this very important exhibition which took ten years to curate and includes over 400 pieces of  Indigenous Australian artworks from a wide range of communities, exploring themes that relate to their individual and shared experiences. Sixty-five thousand years of Australian history was conveyed through a variety of mediums including both traditional and contemporary artworks and cultural objects, all acknowledging and celebrating the tenacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as Australia’s confronting  colonial past.

We were fortunate to have a student from Melbourne University who is currently studying his Masters of Painting as our educator. When he introduced us to the exhibition it was reaffirming to hear him discuss how some of the moral and ethical protocols we have studied at the Academy in Visual Communication Design have been followed in the curation of the exhibition. In particular the curation is community specific and incorporates shared knowledge and deep listening. I also recognised many of the names discussed by our educator, artists and designers whom I had researched and took inspiration from in my most recent Visual Communication Design task.

Additionally, I can draw connections between the displayed artworks and what I’m currently learning in Creative Arts Practice. There’s an overarching theme of unity throughout many of the pieces thoughtfully created by Indigenous artists as several are collaborative projects, something our class are currently exploring. 

This experience has greatly enhanced my perception of how art can be utilised to communicate culture, history and identity while also motivating me to continue to explore collaboration and storytelling in my own art and design practice. 

Ms Lorelle Evans

Visual Arts Learning Leader

A Night of Magic, Music & Momentum

The Academy’s annual Performing Arts Concert filled the hall with colour, creativity and community spirit.  The evening opened with a series of moving solo performances—many students’ first opportunity to perform for a live audience. Their courage and artistry set the tone for an inspiring night of entertainment.

Audiences were then wowed by the Concert Band’s rousing medleys from The Lion King and How to Train Your Dragon, showcasing the ensemble’s impressive musicianship and dynamic range.

A highlight of the night was the premiere performance from the Year 9 Musical Theatre (Triple Threat) class, who brought infectious energy and confidence to Newsies Jr.’s “Carrying the Banner.”   The Dance Team also captivated the audience with a beautifully choreographed piece to John Lennon’s "Imagine", embodying unity and hope through expressive movement.

The concert concluded with a stunning combined item, the Academy School Song featuring Choir, AMICCI, Concert Band and Isabella Strings, conducted by Mirelle Morris. The unity and joy on stage reflected the collaborative heart of the Performing Arts at the Academy.

As a final note, we invite our community to come and support the Triple Threat class as they perform Newsies Jr. at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, 19 November in the Hall.  It promises to be another unforgettable evening celebrating the passion and talent of our young performers.

Ms Olivia Hamilton

Performing Arts Learning Leader