Step inside Haileybury’s newest masterpiece — an innovative Visual Arts building. Situated in the heart of the Keysborough campus, this purpose-built space is not just a place to make art — it is a space where students are inspired and the school community is invited to watch creativity in action. 

The building, which began construction in late 2023, was opened in February this year and is far more than ‘bricks and mortar.’ It is designed to build an inspiring and creative space for Haileybury students to thrive in. 

The building’s interconnected spaces are strategically designed to enhance community and connection. “Many of our students work across disciplines, as do our staff, and this link enhances the cross pollination and inspiration, as well as a sense of community, belonging and identity for students and staff,” says Rachelle Rae, Head of Visual Arts, Senior School. 

An open gallery, adjacent to Wings, the School cafeteria, allows the School community to see first hand what our artists, designers and media creators are working on as well as providing a venue for classroom space, special functions, workshops and displays.  

The Visual Communication Design and Art rooms foster collaboration and inspire creative flow. Windows are located “to invite classes and passers-by alike to be an audience to the work our artists and designers are undertaking. It’s an amazing opportunity for younger year levels to see the calibre of the Units 3 and 4 students’ folios and finals, sparking a desire to aspire to similar heights,” says Rachelle. 

The building features are designed to act as a ‘blank canvas’ to display artwork and “facilitate creativity but also steps back to let the students’ work shine rather than dominating an audience’s attention,” says Rachelle. 

The purpose-built media rooms replicate a cinema and include blackout blinds and sound dampening. They allow students to learn cutting edge techniques using industry grade equipment. 

The facilities also include a laser cutter and 3-D printing, as well as a spray booth and high level technical equipment. 

“The environment within the new arts building significantly influences both our focus and creativity, providing a space that fosters connection and inspiration. With the relocation of the arts area to the Keysborough quad, we are able to engage with the space regularly and feel a strong sense of artistic energy and inspiration,” says Katie, Year 11. 

Art Making and Exhibiting – includes sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography, street art, installation, mixed media, drawing, digital and fashion.

Visual Communication Design – final presentation formats fall within the following four areas: environments, messages, objects and interactive experiences. This could look like anything from graphic design to architecture and landscape, or interior design, interfaces, wayfinding, app and website design or product design.

Media – moving images (such as film), short clips (such as a newscast), still image (photography), print (graphic novel, comics, children’s books, posters), podcast and audio (including podcast, radio etc.) and animation.