The next generation of artists studying creative industries courses at TAFE NSW will showcase their practical skills and talents at an end-of-year exhibition starting this week in Wollongong.

The Project M.A.D.E. exhibition will feature a range of creative works by students and recent graduates, including design, photography, music, screen, and sound projects. More than 100 works by the Illawarra’s up and coming artistic community will be on show.

It’s estimated the cultural and creative arts industry contributes more than $120 billion per annum to Australia’s economy and, over the 10 years to 2033, Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts visual arts roles will grow by 1,400 jobs.

Ben Woodard, from Mangerton, is one of the recent graduates from TAFE NSW Wollongong’s Diploma of Screen and Media who is showcasing his work in the exhibition.

“Ever since I got my first camera in primary school, I haven’t wanted to do anything else with my life except work in a creative job,” Mr Woodard said. “It’s almost a compulsion to express yourself. Choosing to study the Diploma was me making a decision to put that deep-seated need to create into practice.”

During the exhibition, Mr Woodard will present two of his films that he produced while studying at TAFE NSW.

“My films, The Sadness of Hanna Stevens and Deface The Memory, Destroy The Heart, will be playing at the exhibition along with a lot of other work by media students,” he said.

“The Sadness of Hanna Stevens is a faux-documentary about the moral failings of a prickly and controlling student filmmaker. It was very much a tip-of-the-hat to the kind of monstrous, dictatorial characters in the films of Rainer Werner Fassbinder. It was also a place for me to explore my own feelings about the responsibility an artist bears for their work, and the way a filmmaker relates to their subjects.”

Since graduating in mid-2024, Mr Woodard has entered his work in short film competitions and has also been freelancing as a videographer. He recommends studying at TAFE NSW to get the practical skills needed to work in the creative industries.

“The course was really good at getting you experienced in using professional equipment and professional software, as well as the management side of working in the creative industries,” Mr Woodard said.

“To get the most from the course, you need to learn to set and meet deadlines and be able to work with a range of people to achieve the end result you’re after.”

TAFE NSW Media, Arts, Design, and Entertainment Head Teacher John Kilbey said the Project M.A.D.E. exhibition will showcase the knowledge and practical skills students have gained during their course.

“TAFE NSW has a long history of delivering a pipeline of talented workers to the creative industries through the courses we offer,” he said.

“Our courses provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills that will see them hit the ground running when they begin working professionally – whether that be as musicians, cinematographers, visual artists, or in technical and sound production roles.

“I encourage the community to come along to the Project M.A.D.E. exhibition – it’s a terrific way to support the work of our emerging artists and encourage their progression in the industry.”

Project M.A.D.E. will be on from 26 November to 10 December 2024 at the Mike Codd Building, corner of Innovation Way and Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, Fairy Meadow.

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au