The Gordon's art and design team curates national exhibit

In the competitive industry of art and design, real-world opportunities can sometimes feel like distant dreams for students. However, for three recent graduates of The Gordon, those dreams became a vivid reality.
 
Invited to curate, install and document the 2024 National Conference and Art Show ‘Looking Outside the Triangle’ for the Frame and Truss Manufacturer’s Association of Australia (FTMA), talented graduates, Danielle Murphy, Andrew Louis and Maddie Meath, showcased their skills and creativity on a national stage at the Geelong Arts Centre in March.
 
Under the guidance of their teacher, Deirdre Keenaghan, three budding art professionals embraced the opportunity to expand their industry networks and gain real-life working experience.
 
The Gordon's commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry has earned praise from industry leaders like Kersten Gentle, CEO of FTMA Australia.
 
“Engaging The Gordon and their incredibly talented team, spearheaded by Deirdre Keenaghan, was a pivotal decision in the success of our FTMA conference and art exhibit. From the outset, Deirdre's enthusiasm, expertise, and visionary outlook were instrumental in bringing our concept to life. Her ability to blend the academic rigor of The Gordon's art department with the dynamic world of corporate storytelling was nothing short of remarkable.
 
The team's dedication to professionalism and their seamless integration of art and business concepts elevated our event to a new level of sophistication and engagement. The collaboration with The Gordon not only enriched our conference with a unique artistic dimension but also fostered a nurturing environment for the institute's students and staff, offering them invaluable real-world experience. This partnership has not only set a new benchmark for corporate events, but also reaffirmed the significance of future generations in their educational and professional endeavours", she said.

What sets The Gordon apart is its emphasis on practical learning. Through partnerships with industry leaders like FTMA, students gain hands-on experience in curating and managing real events. This not only enriches their academic journey but also prepares them for the challenges of the professional world.

Budding graphic designer, Andrew Louis, photographed the event.

"Documenting the FTMA conference was great industry experience for me. It gave me a taste of what it's like to work in the arts industry and will absolutely sit well on my CV."
 
Feeling inspired? Learn more about studying art and design and open doors to a new and creative career.