The end of year exhibition at the ANU School of Art is always wonderful. It is the largest and most joyful public event on our calendar. Hundreds of people attend the exhibition to celebrate the work of candidates for the Diploma of Art, the Bachelor of Visual Arts, the Bachelor of Arts (Visual) with Honours, the Bachelor of Design Arts, the Bachelor of Digital Arts and combined degrees. This catalogue is the record of our Graduate Exhibition 2009. The work exhibited here is the final work that our students have presented for assessment. It represents the fruit of years of disciplined hard work.

At the ANU School of Art students graduate with a major in one of ten studio disciplines -Ceramics, Furniture/Wood, Glass, Gold and Silversmithing, Painting, Photomedia, Digital Media, Printmedia and Drawing, Sculpture, or Textiles. The materials and processes of making objects and images in these diverse disciplines provide the fundamentals of our programs of study. From these beginnings the creativity, inclinations and interests of individual students are encouraged to develop. The result is always an exhibition of startling diversity, and you will see work that is based on fine craft traditions alongside that engaged with the latest technology and ideas. We aim to show as much of our graduating student work as possible. In 2009 work is presented in the ANU School of Art Gallery, the Foyer Gallery, Photospace, in Workshop spaces throughout the School, and an opening night presentation of video, animation and soundworks in the ARC Cinema of the National Film and Sound Archive.

Particular thanks are due to Helen Ennis, Associate Head Undergraduate and Patsy Hely, Honours Co-ordinator; along with all of our academic staff, Workshop Technical Officers, and those behind the scenes that make it all possible. The School of Art Gallery staff, James Holland, Julie Cuerden-Clifford and Jay Kochel are principally responsible for the production of the exhibition itself.

Patrons of our Emerging Artists Support Scheme (EASS) and the ANU Foundation for the Visual Arts continue to support our graduating students as they start their professional careers. We gratefully acknowledge and thank our many patrons for their dedication and enthusiasm. This year the EASS scheme has been co-ordinated by Waratah Lahy.

Finally, congratulations to the Graduates of 2009 for their achievements. This exhibition marks a new beginning for them. The ANU School of Art staff and students wish all the graduates successful and productive careers and invite them to remain an active part of the ANU through our national and international Alumni networks.

Gordon Bull
Head, School of Art
Australian National University
December 2008