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Media release
TAFE NSW Ultimo | 8 September 2025
Students showcase Sydney’s independent art scene
“I’m so excited to see what is to come for the MUSE gallery and grateful for this opportunity.”
Daisy Knight, TAFE NSW Enmore student and artist
The ARI Show is a vibrant new exhibition that showcases the creativity and diversity of Sydney’s Artist Run Initiatives, held at the MUSE Gallery at TAFE NSW Ultimo from 2 to 18 September.
Featuring over 100 works by 70 independent artists from across Sydney, The ARI Show presents a dynamic series of installations spanning a range of mediums and disciplines.
These include digital art, works on paper, painting, sculpture, and video.
Exhibiting artists include Lisa Pang from The Drawing Collective, Priscilla Bourne from Our Neon Foe, and Lisa Sharp from the 4th Wall.
The exhibition is curated and delivered by students from the TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration (Galleries & Museums), in collaboration with the participating artists.
The ARI After Hours event, running from 6 to 8 pm on Friday 12 September, offers visitors a chance to meet the artists, learn about their practices and purchase their work. Tickets are free and booking is recommended.
Richard Cass, Director of Culture Art and Design at TAFE NSW, said TAFE NSW is proud to support independent emerging artists through collaborative projects.
“We are committed to fostering the growth of the arts, culture and creative industries across the state in line with the NSW Government’s Creative Communities policy,” Mr Cass said. “We actively support the exhibition of student and artist work on our campuses, in local TAFE galleries, and in regional community galleries.”
Head Teacher Melissa Baveas said the ARI Show demonstrates TAFE NSW’s role in cultivating creative talent and professional skills.
“This project places students at the centre of the creative process,” Ms Baveas said. “They’re working directly with arts practitioners, managing curation, marketing and installation. It’s a hands-on learning experience that builds industry connections and professional skills which are vital in today’s arts sector.”
One of the independent artists exhibiting, TAFE NSW Enmore student Daisy Knight, said she is looking forward to showcasing relics from her Zine Spooktaculars fair, held annually in Marrickville.
“I had the joy of being a part of another show at the MUSE earlier this year, and it was so fun to work with the team of student curators,” she said. “A lot of galleries are out of my price range, so having a more accessible and student-run space is really needed.
“The Muse building is such an interesting space with so much history. I’m so excited to see what is to come for The Muse gallery and grateful for this opportunity to learn about other awesome artist run initiatives in Sydney.”
Media contact: Melanie O’Connell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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