From Yayoi Kusama to Tom Roberts, Guerilla Girls to Hokusai, NGV Art School offers online and in-person courses that invite art lovers and curious minds to explore the life, times and careers of some of art history’s most important artists and designers. Created especially for adult learners of all skill levels, with no prior knowledge required, these expert-led courses offer deep-dives into art history, contemporary practice and art-making techniques – all inspired by the rich NGV Collection and year-round exhibitions.
Launching in 2025 is a brand-new, self-paced online course exploring the career of Yayoi Kusama, one of the world’s most celebrated living artists. Going deeper into the themes and concepts of the NGV’s blockbuster retrospective exhibition on the artist, this NGV-exclusive online course traces Kusama’s early life in Matsumoto, Japan and its pivotal influence on her artistic practice throughout her career; her time spent in New York in the 1950s and 1960s and why the works that emerged from this period where so groundbreaking and radical; through to the moments, decisions and elements that lead to her ascendancy as a global art icon of the twenty-first century.
Across five modules, each comprising weekly readings and videos guided by NGV curators and specialist educators, this self-guided online course will provide participants with rich insights into Kusama’s life and art practice, introducing the evolution of major themes in Kusama’s works to give participants confidence in analysing and interpreting meanings and messages in artworks. The course materials will be accessible for 8 weeks from 10am on Friday 28 February.
Also debuting in 2025 is the online course 10 Artists You Should Know. This course introduces learners to a selection of 10 artists from the NGV Collection that have left their mark on the art world and shaped the world around them. Featuring Emily Kame Kngwarray, Suzanne Valadon, Francis Bacon, Katsushika Hokusai, Bhupen Khakhar, Berthe Morisot, Lavinia Fontana, Guerilla Girls, Lee Miller and Francisco Goya, the course explores why these artists are so important, why some have flown under the radar of art history, and why, for some, there’s more to know that you might have thought or heard. Learners will be introduced to the themes, ideas and artforms central to the practices of each artist, as well as how they pushed the boundaries of art-making through innovation, ingenuity and their influence on fellow artists. Access to the course will be available for 8-weeks from 10am on Friday 9 May.
Observational Drawing with Lily Mae Martin, launching in-person in 2025, is an applied art course that introduces the fundamentals of drawing and mark making, taking inspiration from artworks in the NGV Collection. Across four weeks from Sat 15 March, award-winning artist Lily Mae Martin guides participants through engaging activities and exercises to develop drawing skills, providing tailored one-on-one feedback along the way. Through this NGV-exclusive in-person course, participants will build their visual language to create their own unique artworks. Includes tea and coffee on arrival in the NGV Members Lounge and exclusive before-hours access to the Gallery.
Lily Mae Martin was the winner of the 2016 Ursula Hoff Institute Emerging Artist Acquisitive Art Award (Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery) and a finalist for the 2016 Rick Amor Drawing Prize (Art Gallery of Ballarat). She has also been shortlisted for the 2016 Paul Guest Drawing Prize (Bendigo Art Gallery), Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize 2017 and the Dobell Drawing Prize 2019.
Australian Art Histories, held in-person from Thurs 12 June over four evening sessions, offers a fascinating overview of art and creativity on the Australian continent, up until the late-twentieth century. Held at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, this course will consider Australian art history in its broader context through richly illustrated presentations, in-gallery tours, interactive activities and group discussions facilitated by NGV curators and specialist educators. The course will consider First Nations art histories; examine Australia’s long history of artistic migration and global connectivity; and introduce the key artists and socio-historical events that helped shape the diverse and rich cultural landscape that we know today.
In the one-day intensive Twentieth Century Design, a new in-person course in 2025, participants will spend the day learning about some of the world’s most influential designers of the twentieth century, including Charles and Ray Eames, Marc Newson and Isamu Noguchi. With specialist NGV educators and curators as their guides, participants will explore key works of twentieth century design held in the NGV Collection. Held on Sat 12 April from 9.30am–4pm, this full-day intensive course unpacks the design innovations, social forces and cross-cultural connections that have shaped the way we live today. Lunch will be provided via a voucher to be redeemed onsite at Gallery Kitchen or Tea Room.
Popular online courses including Colour, The Art of Writing and Impressionism will also return in April, May and June 2025 as self-guided experiences.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, said: ‘Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of art history or connect with like-minded creatives, NGV Art School’s suite of learning courses are a dynamic and rich academic resource for the whole community. With engaging content created by NGV curators, who are undisputed experts in their respective fields, NGV adult learning offers an immersive, engaging and exclusive learning experiences for participants of all backgrounds and aspirations.’
For more information and the full program of NGV Art School courses, please visit the NGV Art School website: NGV.MELBOURNE/ARTSCHOOL
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