The annual Sydney Art Trip has long been a highlight of Grammar’s TCE Art programme, offering Grade 11 and 12 students in Visual Art, Art Studio Practice, and Photography a unique opportunity to gather inspiration and insight for their final portfolios while immersing themselves in mainland Australia’s vibrant creative scene.
Upon our arrival in central Sydney, we were immediately captivated by the stunning cityscape views from our rooms at the Meriton Suites World Tower. With excitement in the air, we quickly set off for Circular Quay and embarked on a guided tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. This enlightening tour provided us with a rich understanding of Sydney’s art history and introduced us to the Indigenous Eora Country’s culture and creations, setting a fantastic tone for the days ahead.
Our journey continued with a visit to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where we marvelled at the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes. The highlight was undoubtedly the extraordinary exhibition featuring Australia’s largest collection of works by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. We then explored the National Art School, where a guided tour of the current on-campus exhibition offered further artistic inspiration. That evening, we had the pleasure of attending the musical “Chicago” at the Capitol Theatre. This dramatic experience was a standout for many of us, proving that the performing arts hold a special place in our hearts.
The next day, we ventured to the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale, immersing ourselves in contemporary Chinese and Taiwanese artworks. This exposure to the global art scene was both enriching and enjoyable, broadening our artistic horizons. Our final stop was the independent commercial art gallery, Nanda\Hobbs, where we concluded our exploration of Sydney’s diverse art offerings.
As our incredible journey came to a close, we left the Meriton Suites and flew back home, filled with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation for Australia’s artistic landscape. Special thanks go to Poimena’s Head of Visual Art, Paul Snell, and senior teacher Claire Farrell for meticulously curating, organising, and chaperoning this unforgettable experience. We are immensely grateful and now feel more prepared and inspired to tackle our portfolios with a fresh perspective and greater understanding of the art world.
Written by Evie N. (Co-Captain of Art. Grade 12 Student)