For emerging artists in regional Victoria, turning creative passion into real life skills and experience can be challenging – but the Bendigo TAFE and Bendigo Art Gallery are teaming up to help make it possible.
Bendigo TAFE visual arts graduate, Max, has turned an internship and volunteer placement at the Bendigo Art Gallery into paid employment through an initiative designed to strengthen regional creative career pathways.
Now in its second year, the program helps Bendigo TAFE visual arts students get connected with hands-on industry experience at the Bendigo Art Gallery, helping to build confidence, creative possibilities and even careers.
For recent graduate Max, the opportunity with one of regional Victoria’s most significant cultural institutions has been transformative.
Max enrolled in the Certificate IV in Visual Arts at Bendigo TAFE after experiencing creative burnout and losing confidence in their art.
“Art was always something I could do to express myself when I couldn’t talk about what I was feeling,” Max said.
Max reconnected with their practice throughout the course which encouraged experimentation rather than perfection and helped students rediscover creativity while building technical and professional skills.
“Before I joined [Bendigo] TAFE, I fell into an art block,” Max explained.
“It wasn’t until I started studying that I was able to finally get back into the groove of drawing again.”
A turning point came for Max through Bendigo TAFE’s partnership with the Bendigo Art Gallery, which connected them with an internship at one of regional Victoria’s most significant cultural institutions.
That experience grew into ongoing volunteer work, including involvement in the gallery’s school holiday programs.
“I was able to create art with kids and see how excited they got when they made something they were proud of,” Max said.
“It was a great feeling of pride I hadn’t felt before.”
Max said the experience gave them a clear sense of direction, and the skills and confidence needed to step into paid work.
“When I volunteered, it was like I knew instantly what I wanted to do.”
Being able to build a creative career without leaving Bendigo has been especially meaningful.
“Being able to stay in my hometown and pursue my dreams in the art world is a real honour,” Max said.
“I’m grateful I was given this opportunity and being able to stay in my support network while working in a field I love has been incredible.”
Now employed at the gallery, Max says the experience has expanded their creative confidence and future ambitions.
“Just being around art and other artists has inspired me to try new things I wouldn’t have usually considered,” Max said.
“Being around so many creative people has ignited my own passion for art.”
Max’s resilience and growth were also recognised with the Outstanding Student of the Year: Certificate IV in Visual Arts award at the Bendigo TAFE Industry Excellence Awards – sponsored by Bendigo Art Gallery.
“For me, this award was proof that I could push through,” Max said.
“After everything that happened during the year, it shows me that effort and my art meant something.”
Max’s employment is a clear example of how the Bendigo TAFE and Bendigo Art Gallery partnership is delivering real workforce outcomes for regional creatives – supporting local talent, strengthening industry connections and keeping creative careers in Bendigo.
Comments attributed to Laura Macpherson, CEO of Bendigo TAFE:
"Bendigo TAFE is proud to collaborate with the Bendigo Art Gallery to create opportunities for local students, like Max, to build their skills in creative sectors close to home.
By connecting education with industry here in Bendigo we can help students get access to grow their confidence and contribute to the region's vibrant creative community.”
Comments attributable to Lena Mitchell, Learning Manager of Bendigo Art Gallery:
“Max first connected with Bendigo Art Gallery’s Learn team after being recognised as Bendigo TAFE’s Outstanding Student of the Year in the arts. As part of this award, Max was given the opportunity to spend a week gaining hands-on experience with the Gallery’s Learn team, where we very quickly recognised his incredible ability to connect with people through creativity.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Max as a casual member of the Learn team and excited to see the positive impact he will continue to have.”
Course referenced is the Certificate IV in Visual Arts (CUA41320) at Bendigo TAFE.
