Entry to VCA courses is based on talent, with a minimum requirement of VCE English. This means that entry to each course involves an application process (through VTAC) as well as an audition or interview. At the audition/interview applicants will have the chance to display their talent to the staff of the VCA to gain entry. The Wilin Centre offers support to Indigenous applicants throughout this process and encourages artists and students to also consider the following pathways to the VCA as a way of preparing for study at the VCA.
During the summer and winter breaks each year, secondary school students have the opportunity to participate in the VCA's Creative Arts Week. Creative Arts Week offers young people the chance to experience life as an artist for a week. The VCA has designed the Creative Arts Week for those young people 12-18 who are very serious about art, but are not sure which discipline to follow, as well as those who would like to give the arts a go! Participants spend a day in the different VCA schools undertaking practical classes, performing, and learning the nuts and bolts of the visual and performing arts world.
The Wilin Centre offers funded and partially funded places for Indigenous secondary college students and every six months, encourages students who are interested in participating to contact the Student Programs Officer and register.
The VCA's Open Program and individual VCA Schools offer a wide range of short courses aimed at all age groups, and across all the arts disciplines. If you were wishing to get a taste of what VCA has to offer, or just wish to further your skills or pursue an interest, the short courses may be for you.
Linked to the VCA is VCASS, a secondary school that offers talented young musicians and dancers an opportunity to pursue their talents in the arts. VCASS offers a full curriculum of secondary level subjects, as well as specialist dance or music classes. Located on the VCA campus, VCASS students not only have their own study areas and classrooms, they get to interact with tertiary students and teachers on a daily basis. VCASS is a selective entry public school, and therefore there are no tuition fees for Australian students. Entry is based on audition and academic results, and the applicant's potential and talent is taken into account. Over the years, VCASS has produced numerous graduates that have gone on to have high profile careers in the arts industry such as Justine Summers (Principal Artist of the Australian Ballet), Rachel Rawlins (Senior Artist of the Australian Ballet), Rebecca Chambers (internationally renowned concert pianist) and Robert Burke (celebrated jazz musician).
Once Indigenous artists and students have gained a place at VCA, the Wilin Centre offers a Wominjeka (welcome) program in Term One, for all new and returning Indigenous students to prepare for study and life at the VCA.
For more information please contact:
The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development
The University of Melbourne
Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts
234 St Kilda Road
Southbank 3006
Phone: +61 3 9685 9327
Fax: +61 3 9685 9085
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