At the School of Creative and Performing Arts, we work from a belief that is both self-evident and profound: the Arts are essential to human behaviour and a healthy, tolerant, functioning society. They teach us to see the world with greater depth, to notice what is subtle, and to recognise that meaning is rarely singular. In this way, the Arts cultivate the kind of thinking that societies rely on, thinking that is supple, creative, and resourceful.
In a time when life is increasingly shaped by digital immediacy, perceptions of certainty and a philosophy of yields at any cost, the Arts remind us that ambiguity, subtlety, criticality and originality are not weaknesses, rather they are human strengths. These reasons and more account for the existence of the Arts in every place and time and in every civilisation, including, importantly, the First Nations peoples of Australia who have been making and creating continuously on Country for more than 60,000 years.
The Arts cultivate the ability to see multiple perspectives, to analyse rather than simply consume, and to understand that meaning is something co‑created. They encourage us to slow down, to think with our whole bodies, and to trust our capacity to make judgments that are informed not only by logic but by sensitivity, intuition, and experience. These are the very qualities that help societies adapt, innovate, and respond ethically.
The Arts cultivate makers who can interpret complexity, tolerate ambiguity, and recognise that meaning is made in an ecology of practice. They teach us to look closely, to listen deeply, and to understand that ideas evolve through experimentation, revision, and risk. In a world facing climate disruption, political polarisation, and rapid technological change, these capacities are not indulgences. They are survival skills.
About us
Our vibrant and inclusive creative community brings together students, staff, researchers and industry across Fine Arts, Design, Theatre and Performance, and Creative Arts and Health. We work in new inner-city facilities at Inveresk and in Hobart’s Creative Arts and Cultural Precinct, which includes a converted 19th-century factory on the Hobart waterfront and The Hedberg.
Our programs are distinguished by the opportunities they present for students to collaborate on creative projects with community and industry organisations, as well as with colleagues at The Conservatorium of Music and in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. If you are a fine art student, you have the opportunity to work in a theatre production on props, costumes and sets. Theatre students can collaborate with musicians and benefit from creative contributions from media students. All of our students come together for Creative Lab, a one-night-only micro festival, to devise new works and present them to the public.
Through these experiences, and small group hands-on learning, students learn how to professionally communicate, creatively problem-solve, project manage and use their discipline expertise for new ways of thinking and creating collaboratively. These skills provide the foundations for many creative careers, from artists, designers, content creators, festival directors and producers, and prepare graduates to engage with and enter the creative and cultural sector in Tasmania and beyond.
Study with us
Engage with world-class creatives
Through our on-campus galleries, Artist in Residence, Arts Forum, masterclass programs and internships, you will engage with acclaimed artists, performers and creatives working with MONA, TMAG, QVMAG, Dark Mofo, Assembly 197, Artist-Run Initiatives (ARIs) and other partners.
Mentoring
You’ll be mentored by caring arts educators who also happen to be some of Tasmania’s most exceptional creative talent, while experimenting and collaborating with students from all walks of life.
Career-ready
Graduate with work-ready skills and knowledge, a portfolio of genuine projects and a professional network to help start your creative career in Australia’s $14.7 billion arts and entertainment sector.
