A day of conversations, shared experiences and advice, connecting emerging visual artists with creative professionals from across Victoria.

Join us for a full day of conversations, ideas, and practical insights designed to support emerging visual artists. Hosted by La Trobe Art Institute, Stepping Out brings together artists and creative professionals from regional Victoria and beyond to share experiences, advice, and tools for navigating today’s contemporary art ecology.

This catered professional development program is designed for emerging artists seeking to expand their networks, gain practical knowledge, and build confidence in their creative practice.

Through panel discussions, artist talks, and workshops, participants will gain valuable perspectives on sustaining and developing a career in the visual arts.

The day will also include three concurrent breakout sessions hosted across La Trobe Art Institute, Emporium Creative Hub, and Dudley House:

• Grant Writing: Behind the Scenes
• Pathways to Public Art
• Developing Ethical Cross-Industry Partnerships

When booking, participants can select the breakout session that best aligns with their interests, gaining practical insights from experienced practitioners working across the arts sector.

Presenters:

• Jude Anderson — Punctum
• Bron Belcher — Schoolhouse Studios
• George Criddle — artist, writer and researcher
• Zena Zada Cumpston — artist, writer, researcher and consultant
• Lauren Ellis — Bendigo Art Gallery
• Mandy Field — City of Greater Bendigo
• Channon Goodwin — Composite Moving Image Agency & Media Bank
• Hayden Stuart — Haydens Gallery
• Jo Porter — Regional Arts Victoria
• Polly Stanton — artist, filmmaker and academic
• Laura Woodward — kinetic sculptor and artist
• Azza Zein — artist and writer