Visual Arts GATE Workshop

Thanks to the continued support of our official partner Community Bank – Fremantle – Bendigo Bank, WFAC is excited to announce the ninth event in a special series of ongoing free creative programs. This workshop has been specifically designed to support families applying for the year 7 Gifted and Talented (GATE) Visual Arts Specialist programs.

About the GATE Visual Arts Applications

GATE applications for Year 7 entry in 2027 close on the 6 February. This workshop takes place on 1 February, allowing families to confidently complete the initial application stage ahead of the deadline. At this stage, the GATE process requires the submission of an online application only (including student and family details). The visual arts folio component is developed and submitted later, meaning students will have ongoing time to refine and build their portfolio and prepare for the application process beyond this workshop.

About this workshop

Led by Jenessa King and Jo Bowman, two highly skilled and passionate Arts Educators, this session will focus on developing and refining your portfolio, as well as building the skills and language needed for the next stages of the GATE Visual Arts pathway. Students are encouraged to bring artworks they are proud of—whether individual pieces or an existing portfolio.

The session will start with a conversation around visual art vocabulary, language and analysis techniques that will support students to respond and analyse artworks for the written component of the application. Together, Jenessa and Jo will help students understand key terms and things to look out for, as you work together to make your own visual arts flashcards.

Following this, Jenessa and Jo will work with students to build and refine their portfolios. They’ll assist students with a still life drawing exercise, and chat to families one-on-one to review their portfolios, give feedback and advice.

To finish the session, we’ll chat about shape and form, and how to respond to themes, with a fun take-home exercise in sculpture!

Places are limited to ten families. Each enrolment is for one child and one adult per family. Children must attend with an adult. 

Given this workshop is to support students preparing for specialist art programs, we kindly ask that siblings are not brought along, even as observers, to ensure every place is available for students who need them.

While this workshop is designed to support families through the application and preparation process, attendance does not guarantee selection into a Gifted and Talented Visual Arts program, as all outcomes are determined by the Department of Education.

What to Bring

• An A4 or A3 folder that will become your portfolio (or your existing portfolio if you have already begun one). Your school will advise the preferred format.
• Any artworks you are proud of and wish to include.
• All other materials will be supplied on the day.

Building Access

Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre is a heritage-listed site with access limitations. There are no lift facilities within the main building, and the Painting Studio is accessible via stairs only. Lighting includes a mix of natural and fluorescent light, and flooring is dark in colour.

We acknowledge these limitations and are committed to improving accessibility where possible. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss access needs.