Charles Sturt University's (CSU) Community Education Unit operational charter is to 'enrich regional communities with cultural and educational experiences'. Their goal is to improve the social and cultural fabric of local regional communities via access to artistic experiences not unlike those opportunities available in major metropolitan areas.

Over the past 18 months CSU Community Education has worked to establish programs at each of the University's campuses around the state that are both unique and offer a wide range of artistic experiences. Each program is professionally administered and has gained outstanding feedback from participants and tutors alike.

Murrumbidgee School of Creative Arts

Experience Wagga Wagga through intensive week long art and artcraft workshops at the Murrumbidgee School of Creative Arts.

Over 20 workshops are on offer in a range of fields such as beading; drawing; jewellery; metalwork; millinery; mosaics; painting; photography; sculpture; and textiles.

Art and craft practioners can enjoy a convivial atmosphere and draw on the expertise and professionalism of nationally and internationally recognised tutors while enriching their individual art or artcraft practice - whether they are at a beginner or advanced level.

Along with the workshops held during the day, the Summer School program is complemented with exhibitions, social events and extracurricular activities designed to help participants make the most of the week and take advantage of all that the historic city of Wagga Wagga has to offer.

All workshops will be held on the beautiful Wagga Wagga campus to create a village like atmosphere of creative activity. Catering for those who wish to stay on-campus in student style accommodation or who prefer to stay in the historic town of Wagga Wagga, participants are assured of a country experience without compromising city standards.

With all workshops, meals and residence in close proximity to one another, the option to take a pleasant stroll or be transported by bus to classrooms each day is available. All fitness levels are catered for.

The Murrumbidgee School of Creative Arts offers you an adventure, an experience, and an educational advantage to nurture professional and personal development, learn from industry experts, mix with those with common interests, share your knowledge and take a well earned holiday.

For details on the 2007 Summer School see the directory listing.

Mitchell School of Arts

The Mitchell School of Arts has garnered a reputation for fostering the talents of artists during the intensive weeklong program held at the University's Bathurst Campus.

All workshops are lead by professional practising artists who are experts in their chosen field, with over 20 different workshops to choose from, artists at all levels are welcome at the school. Workshops on offer include painting and drawing.

Along with the workshops held during the day the school is complemented with exhibitions, social events and extracurricular activities to make the most of the week.

All accommodation, workshops studios, dining and recreational facilities are within walking distance and make for a special stay for those who choose to live in on campus.

Enrolments are now open for the January Summer School.

Dubbo Photographic Competition and Exhibition

The Dubbo Photographic Competition and Exhibition has on offer over $7,000 in prizes in a unique competition for regional communities. It is open to amateur and professionals in both digital and traditional formats with special categories for youth entrants. This makes for a vibrant and exciting exhibition which is open for one week at the distinctive Dubbo Campus. Entries for the 2006 Competition were received from all over the country with the majority coming from regional areas. Plans to introduce photographic workshops to complement the competition will begin in the near future

The exhibition and award presentation will be held from 6pm on Friday 6th October at CSU Dubbo Campus. You can visit the Dubbo Photographic Competition website for further details.

In addition to these major programs CSU Community Education also administers a variety of short courses in professional development, literature, cheese making and youth.

To be on the mailing list for a stunning full colour magazine of the school of your choice please email Linda Tillman. Alternatively, contact Sandra Stroud at Bathurst on 02 6338 4120 for the Mitchell School of Arts or Linda Tillman at Wagga Wagga on 02 6933 2064 for the Murrumbidgee School of Arts.

Linda Tillman
September 2006