Visual Arts auditions

Students will be considered for a Visual Arts placement at Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA) through an assessment of audition that includes a portfolio submission and a Visual Arts workshop.

Part 1: Referral and Portfolio Submission

Years 5, 6, 7 & 11 – Referral

A referral must be provided by the applicant’s classroom teacher, Visual Arts teacher, or a qualified art tutor. The referral should:

• Comment on the applicant's artistic strengths

• Highlight their commitment, curiosity, and growth over time

• Indicate any specific aptitude or interest in Visual Arts

Years 5-6 - Portfolio

Applicants must submit a PDF portfolio including:

• 4-6 original artworks, showing:

  • A range of media (e.g. graphite, paint, collage, digital, mixed media)
  • At least two (2) resolved works (i.e. planned and finished pieces)
  • At least one (1) observational drawing (e.g. still life, self-portrait, or object study)

• An Artist Statement (150–200 words). Students must also submit a written reflection addressing:

  • Their artistic interests and inspirations , any competitions or art exhibitions
  • Favourite materials and processes and why
  • What they enjoy most about making art
  • What they hope to learn and achieve at HSPA

Referral and all portfolio images must be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted by the due date using the instructions provided in the Audition Process.

Years 7 & 11 - Portfolio

• Applicants must submit a portfolio (maximum 10 artworks) that showcase:

  • A variety of art forms and media (eg: drawing, painting, digital, photography, sculpture, mixed media)
  • At least one (1) observational drawing (eg: still life, figure drawing, or portrait)

• An Artist Statement (200–300 words). Students must also submit a written reflection addressing:

  • Their artistic influences
  • Materials and processes they use and why
  • Their goals to learn and achieve at HSPA

Referral and all portfolio images must be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted by the due date using the instructions provided in the Audition Process.

Part 2: Practical Workshop

Years 5 & 6 - Live

Applicants will participate in a half-day, hands-on workshop, where they will:

• Complete an observational drawing within a set time frame.

• Explore a creative response art making task based on a given theme.

• Respond to an unseen image – written component

• Demonstrate creativity, technical ability, and engagement.

• Engage in an informal interview with the Visual Arts panel about their artistic process, inspiration, and experiences.  Discuss their portfolio and their commitment to Visual Arts and aspirations in the field.

• All materials will be provided.

Years 7 & 11 – Live

All applicants who are successful in Part 1: Referral and Portfolio Submission are invited to participate in a half-day, hands-on workshop.

Students will be advised the week prior to live audition week if they have been successful in Part 1: Referral and Portfolio Submission and are required to attend Part 2: Practical Workshop (live). Not all students will be successful and advance to Part 2: Practical Workshop (live). Students who are unsuccessful will be provided with feedback to support improvement and success for future auditions.

In the half-day, hands-on workshop, students will:

• Complete an observational drawing within a set time frame.

• Explore a creative response art making task based on a given theme.

• Respond to an unseen image – written component

• Demonstrate creativity, technical ability, and engagement.

• Engage in an informal discussion with the Visual Arts panel about their artistic process, inspiration, and experiences. Discuss their portfolio and discuss their commitment to Visual Arts and aspirations in the field.

• All materials will be provided.

Audition Assessment

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A strong passion for Visual Arts and creative practice.

• Developing technical proficiency across a variety of media.

• The ability to discuss, analyse, and reflect on their artistic process.

• A commitment to ongoing artistic growth and participation in the HSPA Visual Arts Pathway.

Applicants will be assessed on:

Technical Skill: Confident and intentional use of materials and techniques

Observational Drawing: Accuracy, proportion, and detail in representing visual information

Creative Thinking: Original, thoughtful ideas; exploration of theme or concept

Written Artist Statement: Clear and reflective explanation of artistic interests and goals

Written Response to Artwork: Insightful, structured interpretation using age-appropriate language

Oral Communication: Clear, expressive discussion of artworks, processes, and ideas

Workshop Engagement: Focused participation, enthusiasm, and resilience through challenge

Growth Mindset: Evidence of reflection, self-awareness and willingness to improve

Please Note: Applicants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook or additional artworks to showcase their creative process (optional).

Clothing

Students should wear comfortable clothing which is appropriate for a practical visual arts workshop. This may include items such as track suits, T-shirts, jeans, sloppy-joes. Footwear should be enclosed shoes. Students should not audition in school uniform.

Changes to process

Changes may occur to the audition process above, dependent upon circumstances out of our control at the time of auditions. Changes could include, but are not limited to, video submission and/or online live components. If and when required, details of changes will be communicated to applicants.

Creative Arts Curriculum

Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA) is recognised for nurturing excellence across Dance, Drama, and Music. From 2027, the school will extend this legacy by introducing a Selective Visual Arts Pathway, offering students with exceptional artistic potential the opportunity to develop their skills within a dynamic, high performing creative community.

The Visual Arts Pathway aims to:

• Provide equitable access for gifted and high potential students in the Visual Arts.
• Foster sustained artistic growth through structured studio practice, conceptual development, and exhibition opportunities.
• Strengthen HSPA’s position as a Creative and Performing Arts leader, integrating the visual and performing disciplines under one cohesive vision.
• Build strong, ongoing partnerships between HSPA and leading cultural institutions to extend learning beyond the classroom.

HSPA has established collaborative relationships with key regional partners, including The Creator Incubator, TAFE Newcastle Art School, Newcastle Art Gallery, and Watt Space Art Gallery. These partnerships will provide students with authentic industry experiences, exhibition opportunities, and pathways into tertiary and professional arts contexts.

This initiative reflects HSPA’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the Creative Arts, ensuring that young artists are supported to develop their unique voice, technical proficiency, and understanding of art within contemporary practice.

Creative Arts Pathway Expectations and Commitment:

Year 7:

• Scheduled specialist Visual Arts lessons as part of the academic timetable

• Weekly program during REACH on Thursdays, including after-school studio session from 2:10 to 4:10pm

• Focus on foundational studio skills, collaboration, and artmaking routines.

Year 11:

• Scheduled specialist Visual Arts lessons as part of the academic timetable

• Weekly program on Thursdays, including after-school studio session from 3:10 to 5:10pm

• Students work independently under supervision to produce a sustained body of work.

Please Note: For students entering in Year 7, the Visual Arts Pathway provides students with a four-year journey that culminates in a curated public exhibition and the development of a professional portfolio that may be suitable for tertiary entrance. Through ongoing partnerships with local galleries and institutions, HSPA Visual Arts students gain real-world experience and insight into creative industries. This initiative ensures that our students graduate as confident, skilled, and connected young artists ready to pursue further study or professional practice in the visual arts field.

Creative Arts Agreement

Upon accepting an offer of enrolment at our school, you acknowledge and accept our additional creative arts curriculum. All students in Years 3-10 are required to continue with their auditioned performing arts subject until the conclusion of Year 10. Students in Years 8-12 have the opportunity to study more than one arts subject. All students are expected to fully engage with all arts opportunities.