Industry leaders inspire at Future Creatives Forum

Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s annual Future Creatives Forum returns in October with a jam packed day of talks and hands on workshops set to inspire a new generation of creative professionals.

On Monday 21 October from 9.30am to 3.00pm, secondary and tertiary students from across the Lower Hunter region are invited to Maitland Town Hall to meet and hear from artists, industry experts and leaders in the creative industries.

Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien says, ‘this free event, aimed at senior students in years 10 to 12, will showcase a diverse range of creative professions for young people curious about the possibilities of a creative career.

'Hearing the stories of these successful artists and commercial creatives will help give students the confidence, expert insights and tools to pursue their own creative future.’

Hosted in partnership with the University of Newcastle, the forum presents an impressive lineup of key speakers, including:
 

• Photographic, moving image and installation artist, Leila Jeffreys
• Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist and curator, Dennis Golding
• Renowned fashion designer and former Maitland local, Luke Sales (Romance Was Born)
• Sign writer, interior designer and chef, Gillian Dinh
• Gamilaroi/Darug multidisciplinary artist and founder of Awesome Black, Travis De Vries
• Designer, animator and lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Jane Shadbolt.

‘Students will leave the forum inspired, having learned about so many options and career pathways that they might not have previously considered, thought possible, or even knew existed,’ says Ms Bobsien.

Throughout the day, students will also participate in breakout sessions in critical thinking and making at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

For more information on the Future Creatives Forum and to secure your place, visit mait.city/FutureCreatives2024. Schools are encouraged to book early as spaces are limited.