13 February 2024

The artist behind a new exhibition in Wagga Wagga is encouraging more people to learn practical skills through TAFE NSW.

The visual arts sector is experiencing significant growth, with about 3,000 artists needed by 2026.

TAFE NSW is helping deliver a pipeline of new artists to the industry through its visual arts courses and by exposing students to quality work on display at Gallery 43 on the TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga campus.

Artist and TAFE NSW graduate, Chris Roe, was recently announced as a finalist in the 2024 Bald Archy portrait competition. His new pop-art exhibition ‘Rogue Elements’ opens today at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga.

“It's exciting for me as an artist and storyteller to engage with the TAFE NSW community by exhibiting at Gallery 43 and connect with the next generation of creatives,” Mr Roe said.

“I know from my experience as a TAFE NSW student that the sort of hands-on training and facilities that TAFE NSW provides is incredibly valuable in boosting a person’s learning, particularly for people like me who are neuro-divergent and who may not fit into the traditional education mould.

“Since moving to the Riverina, I've been amazed at the opportunities to exhibit and participate in the local arts scene, and TAFE NSW’s Gallery 43 plays a significant role in that and supporting emerging and established artists.

“I hope my work in this exhibition will engage local TAFE NSW visual arts students and help deepen their knowledge, accelerate their own artistic practice, and push them to refine or find their own unique artistic style.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Creative Design and Ideation in the southern region Mary-Jane Griggs, said TAFE NSW is continuing to meet industry demand by offering visual arts courses again this year.

“We’ve continued to observe strong demand for our Certificate III Design Fundamentals, Diploma of Visual Arts, Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, and Bachelor of Creative Practice at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga,” Ms Griggs said.

“These courses are designed to be hands-on, which ensures our students are equipped with the practical skills they need to get the job they want in the arts industry – whether that be as a working artist, or as a gallery curator, art tutor, technical officer, or art director.”

“We’re thrilled to be hosting Chris Roe’s exhibition at TAFE NSW’s Gallery 43. I’m confident that opportunities like these – where our students can absorb the work of other local artists here at our gallery – really boosts their learning and helps inspire their own artistic style.”

The ‘Rogue Elements’ exhibition is on until 8 March 2024 at Gallery 43 on the TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga campus.  

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au, 0401 843 018.