Visual Arts graduates take up artist residencies at Vacant Assembly

Rhona Impey, Marcus Cannon, Tina Grimes and Amy Kung, who all completed their Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120) at the South Bank campus, were each awarded a two-week residency at the West End creative space.

The opportunity allowed them to immerse themselves in a professional artistic environment while continuing to grow their creative practice.

Vacant Assembly is an art gallery and exhibition space in Brisbane’s West End that features artist studios, a photo studio, a film studio, a workshop, co-working spaces and small businesses, a fashion studio and shop, and a pop-up shop.

The venue is open by appointment and during exhibitions, providing a dynamic platform for creatives to collaborate, exhibit and connect with the wider arts community.

During their residencies, the emerging artists created new works, refined their individual styles and connected with the broader arts community.

They also delivered workshops, sharing the techniques and skills they developed during their studies with other aspiring creatives.

TAFE Queensland Visual Arts teacher Marisa Culpo said industry partnerships like the one with Vacant Assembly are vital in supporting emerging artists as they transition into their careers.

“Partnerships like the one with Vacant Assembly play a vital role in strengthening Brisbane’s vibrant visual arts scene,” Ms Culpo said.

“We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and for providing platforms that empower emerging artists as they transition into their professional careers.”

The Visual Arts teaching team said they were proud to see Rhona, Marcus, Tina and Amy representing TAFE Queensland in the wider arts community and congratulated them on the well-deserved opportunity.

Sarah Seminutin, Director at Vacant Assembly, said:

"Vacant Assembly really values our relationship with TAFE Queensland - both students and teachers are an integral part of our community, and seeing them embrace the space and opportunity has been fantastic."

"We were excited to provide an opportunity to this outstanding group of students through our Art Bank initiative and are hopeful that this is something that we can develop further in the future. Pathways such as this help students emerge from their education with a full toolkit, as well as the confidence and experience to thrive."

TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Visual Arts helps students unlock their creative potential while preparing for careers across the broader creative industries.

The course develops specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills, with students able to explore areas such as painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and ceramics.

Guided by experienced industry professionals and specialist educators, students build the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the competitive creative arts sector.

The creative arts industry also plays a significant role in Australia’s economy, contributing more than $10 billion and employing nearly 100,000 people.

Successful completion of the diploma equips graduates with the skills and confidence to pursue self-employment or creative roles across arts organisations, government, community groups and commercial enterprises.