Real-world learning and creative arts: the Artist in Residence Program

MLC’s Art and Design Department is one of the largest in Australia, offering students a broad range of subject choices, from Art and Photography to Product Design and Visual Communication Design. Since 2018, MLC has partnered with Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), a contemporary art-led education and research facility, to offer the Artist in Residence program to its students.  

Since then, the College has welcomed more than 35 leading and contemporary artists to work with students in MLC’s art studios – one of the highest numbers of artists to visit a school in Victoria. Each artist leads hands-on workshops with the students and provides insights into Australia’s vibrant arts industries. Recently, the Artist in Residence (AIR) program has expanded to MLC’s Junior School for students from Prep to Year 6. 

“MLC’s Artist in Residence program connects our students with industry. Our students frequently work alongside leading artists, elevating their exposure to contemporary practices, and normalising the professional level of exposure,” shares Mark Threadgold, Head of Art and Design at MLC, “Students experience how artists’ work communicates interdisciplinary topics that inspire our students to apply knowledge from non-Art and Design subjects to their own artmaking.” 

In 2024, MLC welcomed seven celebrated artists, each with extensive international and local exhibition experience, to collaborate with its Art and Design students. From sculptors and installation artists, master printmakers and photographers exploring Indigenous history, to abstract and realist painters, the initiative introduced students to diverse artistic styles, backgrounds, and experiences.

Japanese-born, Australian-based sculptor Noriko Nakamura was one of the artists to work with Year 11 Art Creative Practice students. Noriko's work has been exhibited internationally, spanning Tokyo to New Zealand, much like other artists in the program. This insight was particularly impactful for students, highlighting the wide array of opportunities available to professional artists and the potential pathways ahead of them. 

“Our guest artists teach, encourage, and inspire our students with the development of their own ideas and artmaking,” says Mark. “Noriko creates sculptural installations that explore the ancient Shinto belief that everything is imbued with life. Inspired by these concepts and artmaking process, students produced their own paper sculpture as they engaged in discussions with the artist.”

Noriko’s visit was followed by Juan Ford, an Australian-based and award-winning realism artist, who captivated Art and Design students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Students also received Juan’s expert guidance and support as they discussed their works in progress with him as he toured their studios in Art house! 
 
“Known for his exceptional technical expertise, Juan’s paintings and installations explore the relationship between people and the natural world,” shares Mark. “The students were thrilled to have him, and the other artists, in the art room.”