In May and October this year an exchange is taking place between PhD candidates from the Sydney College of Arts (SCA) and the Faculty of the VCA and Music. A PhD thesis forms the necessary first stage of a dialectical process; functioning as such this exhibition will serve as a testing ground, through public observation, evaluation and discussion.

The exhibition will showcase the distinct practices of these artists at various stages of their PhD candidature, displaying the results of their research and creative development. Both exhibitions present a diverse group of artists with a varied range of artistic influences.

In May, VCAM will host seven PhD candidates from SCA: Maria Fernanda Cardoso; Kim Connerton; David Haines; Biljana Jancic; Adrian McDonald; Mark Shorter; and Sylvia Schwenk. Curated by Adrian McDonald.

In October, SCA will host and feature the works of current VCAM PhD candidates: Sandra Bridie, Celeste Chandler, Sarah crowEST, Sophie Knezic, David McDowell, Evangelos Sakaris and Simone Slee. Curated by Chantal Faust.

Melbourne exhibition runs: 20 - 29 May, 2009
Opening: Tuesday 19th May, 5 - 7pm
Opening address by Associate Professor Su Baker, Head VCAM School of Art
Where:  VCAM Student Gallery, School of Art, Gate 4, Dodds Street, Southbank
Gallery hours: Wed & Thurs: 9.30am to 4.30pm; Fridays 9.30am to 3pm

Sydney exhibition runs: 8 October – 1 November, 2009
Opening: Wednesday 7th October, 6 - 8pm
Where: Sydney College of the Arts Gallery, Balmain Road, Rozelle
Gallery hours: Wed to Friday: 11am to 5pm, Sat & Sun, 11am to 4pm