sharing the adventure of visual arts
EAST GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY
SkillUP Youth Arts Exhibition and Update
You are warmly invited to celebrate our first ever SkillUP Youth Arts Exhibition with a special opening event 5.30pm Friday 23 October 2026 at East Gippsland Art Gallery, 2 Nicholson St. Bairnsdale. All welcome. Free. Exhibition runs until 28 November 2026.
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of young artists and represents an exciting milestone for the program. It showcases works created by participants as they develop confidence, strengthen their artistic practice and explore new ways of expressing and sharing their unique perspectives with the wider community.
“There is incredible growth that can happen when a young person feels safe: safe to fail, safe to learn, safe to get back up and keep going, and safe to be themselves.”
- parent of a child in SkillUP 2026
Building creative futures
Conceived and managed by East Gippsland Art Gallery, SkillUP is a free, structured visual arts program that provides high-quality training through weekly studio classes led by program coordinator, Lee Nickless, visiting professional artists and specialist tutors.
SkillUP runs throughout the school year with the program split into two smaller groups to ensure meaningful one-on-one mentoring and support for each participant. Classes run for three hours, from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to use the studio on the alternate day to their class. Open studio time allows students to experiment in the art rooms outside of structured sessions.
We received an overwhelming response to our call for expressions of interest, with 25 participants taking up a place in this exciting program
2026 Focus Areas
Visual Arts Skills and Development in a variety of disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, metalwork, colour theory, digital imaging and creative process development.
Industry and Professional Skills Workshops on entrepreneurial and business skills such as self promotion, client relations, financial planning and folio development.
Exhibition Design and Development: Youth-led exhibition in collaboration with East Gippsland Art Gallery, culminating in a public exhibition.
“The generosity, dedication, and encouragement of everyone at SkillUP has nurtured my child’s natural talent and passion in a respectful, safe, and professional environment.”
- parent of a child in SkillUP 2026
Thanks to all our supporters
Providing this program completely free of charge is essential to removing financial barriers and ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to participate.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the SkillUP Youth Arts Program in 2026, particularly our major sponsor, the Gippsland Community Foundation. In 2026 this program relied entirely on the generosity of community donors, local businesses and individual supporters. Without sustainable and ongoing funding, the future of the program remains uncertain. Continued investment will help secure the program’s future and ensure more young people can access this valuable opportunity.
Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the program free and accessible, giving young people the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their skills and build a creative future. Donations are 100% tax deductible - click here for information how to donate
Expressions of Interest open for 2027 (subject to funding)
To register your expression of interest for 2027: download the form below. Email it to admin@eastgippslandartgallery.org.au
Or you can drop it into to East Gippsland Art Gallery at 2 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale. For more info call us on 03 5153 1988
East Gippsland Art Gallery is committed to providing a child safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and young people who participate in our programs. For more information see our commitment to Child Safety, Equity and Inclusion HERE
