The digital world is a visual world. Today’s communication channels connect to audiences with all forms of visual expression, static and moving, traditional and experimental. In these evolving ways artists who can express themselves can forge a future career that is always pushing forward, always exploring the new. A QUT visual arts degree offers you the opportunity to get a broad experience of the contemporary art world.

 Visual arts at QUT can help you find your niche in the burgeoning local art scene and beyond, by supporting you to define and shape your creative identity.

Through our unique open-studio environment, you will focus on contemporary art practices without being divided into separate media-specific areas, such as painting or sculpture, as in traditional art schools. Practise art across a range of media including video, photography, installation, performance and printmaking, as well as painting and sculpture. This distinctive cross-disciplinary approach encourages fluid, self-directed investigation, crucial to your arts practice.

You can combine your studio training with study areas such as interactive and visual design, event management, entrepreneurship or business to equip you for a range of creative careers.  We   welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and creative styles via portfolio and interview.

Real-world learning

Studying visual arts at QUT offers a range of advantages including a flexible degree structure, a unique experimental studio environment and a rigorous program of art history/theory subjects. With opportunities to work on industry-based projects and international tours, you’ll get a broad experience of the contemporary art world.

With our unique open-studio environment, you can practise art across a range of media including video, photography, installation and performance, as well as printmaking, painting, drawing and sculpture.

You will benefit from substantial studio experience and training in your specialist area, with the option to pursue study areas such as graphic design, CGI, event management, entrepreneurship or business to equip you for a range of creative careers. Previous students have received prestigious Samstag Scholarships, Australia Council and Arts Queensland awards, art prizes such as the Queensland Premier’s New Media Award and the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, as well as the German DAAD scholarship and numerous international studio residencies.

Many of our graduates become highly successful practising artists, represented by commercial galleries, and with strong careers in the commissioned and public funding sectors.

We provide grounding in art history and theory that equips you to communicate with clients, curators and employers. Graduates also pursue professional careers as curators, program officers or arts managers and are often employed by prestigious galleries and museums both in Australia and internationally.

QUT visual arts graduates are at the heart of innovative artist-run galleries across Brisbane.  We foster a strong sense of community and entrepreneurialism.  Our students have developed exciting experimental art spaces such as Boxcopy Contemporary Art Space and LEVEL ARI, and have also been the recipients of the prestigious Samstag Scholarships, Australia, Council and Arts Queensland awards, art prizes such as the Queensland Premier’s New Media Award and the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, as well as the German DAAD scholarship and numerous international studio residencies.

Possible careers

• Art Project Manager
• Artist
• Arts Administrator
• Curator
• Media Industry Specialist
• Multimedia Designer
• Visual Artist
• Visual Arts Teacher