Enrolments are now open for the NGV and La Trobe University Melbourne Now Summer School.
We have been working closely with Neil Fettling, Director of the La Trobe Art Institute and Vincent Alessi, Director of La Trobe University Museum of Art, to bring together the key themes of the exhibition and integrate this into the study requirements for an elective unit.
Here, we caught up with Neil about his vision for the program.
GP: What inspired or was the catalyst for the inaugural NGV and La Trobe University Summer School?
NF: The coming together of the two exciting new initiatives, the first one being Melbourne Now, which is the most ambitious contemporary arts project that the NGV has conducted, and the recent commitment by La Trobe University to integrate all of its art related activities under the badge of the new La Trobe Art Institute. The Institute provides an exciting new vision for the arts at La Trobe University.
GP: What is your vision for the program?
NF: To reach new audiences, connect students and participants and develop our partnership with the NGV. The accredited program, which is open to everyone, will allow students the rare opportunity to be taught by curatorial and education staff, leading academics and the artists and designers involved in Melbourne Now on site at the gallery. This is a very rare and exciting opportunity.
GP: How will students and participants in the Melbourne Now Summer School benefit from this course?
NF: Students and participants will gain great insights into the contemporary arts and culture in Melbourne. They will be able to form great connections with the practitioners and achieve the benefits of real relationships with the cultural movers and shakers in Melbourne. Many of the students will travel from regional centers, so it will enable networking and immersion in a major cultural capital with strong structured connections through the Summer School program.