Online: Introduction to the Australian Art World

The Australian art world is a rich and complex ecosystem that bridges public exhibitions and collections, commercial galleries, university and art school galleries, art fairs, artist and community run initiatives, and private collections.

Delivered through a series of live online sessions, Nick Vickers and invited guest speakers, provide a comprehensive introduction to the creative industries and valuable insights into the art market. Suitable for artists, art graduates, enthusiasts and collectors, this online course explores the exciting arena where creativity, collecting and commerce intersect.

You'll learn how to map the Australian art market as Nick explains the differences between the public and private sectors and highlights the important links between them. Discover the role of collections such as ArtBank, as well as the world of art fairs including Art Basel, Sydney Contemporary and the Affordable Art Fair. The course also examines the vital role artists play within the broader creative industries.

Nick explores support mechanisms for artists, including funding opportunities and art prizes, as well as the role of galleries, tax implications, donations, and the buying and selling of artworks. Learn about the organisations that work behind the scenes of the creative industries and gain an introduction to art collecting, including why people collect, whether for investment, aesthetic enjoyment, personal interest or inheritance. The course also examines the differences between the primary and secondary art markets and their significance for collectors.

The course is suitable for participants of all levels of experience and interest in the arts.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students between 15 - 17 years of age.

Student Home-Studio Requirements
• Computer, laptop or tablet
• Reliable internet connection
• Access to Zoom or the nominated online platform
• Note-taking materials (optional)

This course is delivered online via Zoom and consists of a series of live lectures, presentations and discussions led by Nick Vickers and invited guest speakers.

Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion throughout each session.

Students will be provided with a Zoom link prior to the commencement of the course. Please ensure you use the link provided to access the online sessions.

Nick Vickers has worked in the Australian creative arts industries for over 30 years and has championed the works of emerging artists by establishing several galleries through universities and art colleges, including his first gallery at the University of NSW Art & Design in 1984. He has presented, curated and hosted national and international artists and has lectured in tertiary, intermediary and secondary institutions.

Nick contributed to the curatorial expanse of the University of Sydney Art Collection where, through his expertise as Curator of the University Union art collection, he added works of some considerable cultural significance. He established the Sir Hermann Black Gallery & Sculpture Terrace through which he hosted and curated ten years of highly rated art exhibitions and prizes that included The Blake Prize and The Freedman Foundation annual exhibitions. He has also acted as Curator to the Activate UTS art collection.

On a local government level Nick has served on curatorial panels with the Sawmillers Sculpture Prize at North Sydney, The City of Ryde Council as Curator of SWAP. Most recently he initiated Artists4Ukraine and Prints4Ukraine, 2 separate fundraising exhibitions that support displaced children from the Russian/Ukraine conflict. Over 100 of Australia’s leading artists donated works and raised over $75,500 for this worthy cause.

Nick is an independent art curator and lecturer at Meadowbank TAFE. In 2024 he curated a major exhibition Beyond the Brush in NSW Parliament House, Sydney. He has also co-curated exhibitions at The Armory at Sydney Olympic Park.