New courses at TAFE NSW Albury and Wagga Wagga are offering people with creative flair a pathway towards achieving their dreams of rewarding careers in the arts sector.

Starting in semester two from July 17, the Certificate III Design Fundamentals courses offer immediate entry to a Diploma in Visual Arts, with the potential to progress to a degree course with TAFE NSW.

The Design Fundamentals courses will prepare students to enter the arts workforce at a time when the Federal Government’s Jobs and Skills Australia is forecasting employment in arts and recreation services to grow by 10% by November 2026.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Art and Digital Media South, Mary-Jane Grigg, said the course was ideal for school leavers taking early steps on their creative journeys, but anyone looking to learn the creative fundamentals to use in their existing career or to consider a career change would also benefit.

“It’s a great starting point because it offers all the foundation skills in design which can flow through to training in digital software, studio practice, colour and photography and more,” she said.

Albury-based graffiti artist Mark-John Martyn, who is studying a Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW, has encouraged those interested in arts careers to begin their journey through the Design Fundamentals courses.

“I’d say, definitely do it,” he said. “By getting formal qualifications it’s easier for artists to walk into a gallery and say, ‘I’d like you to exhibit my work’, but without those qualifications it’s harder to have that conversation.

“Now, I’m gaining the confidence and knowledge I need to present my work in the very competitive gallery space.

“It really helps that the teachers at TAFE NSW are passionate about what they do and they’re just as keen as you are to go above and beyond in helping you to learn.” 

Ms Griggs said the courses reflected the vibrancy of the arts scene in large regional centres such as Wagga Wagga and Albury, with many educational and career opportunities now available in a growing creative sector.

“These courses can lead students to further education and careers in the visual arts, galleries and museums or they can lead to specialised roles in fields such as graphic arts, interior design, jewellery-making and a range of creative screen media opportunities,” she said.

“Local school-leavers now have a rich culture and arts scene to become part of, and by beginning their learning journey at TAFE NSW they’re able to gain qualifications and hands-on experience that provide pathways to an exciting future.”