Students are given the opportunity to work alongside a carefully selected artist to observe, interpret and respond to their immediate environment at Ku-ring-gai National Park, Bobbin Head. Previous artists in residence include illustrator Patrick Shirvington (2023) and abstract, process-based artist Emily Besser (2024).

2025 artist-in-residence Nicole Barakat is a Kfarsghabi, Lebanese artist living on the lands and waters of the Gadigal People. Nicole’s creative practice is rooted in remembering and re-gathering her ancestral knowing. She works with deep listening and intuitive processes with intentions to transform the conditions of everyday life. Her artwork engages unconventional approaches to art-making, creating intricate works that embody the love and patience characteristic of traditional textile practices.  Her works include hand-stitched and hand-cut cloth and paper drawings, sculptural forms made with her own hair, cloth and plant materials as well as live work where she uses her voice as a material.

Cost:

• $250 for metro students
• $187.50 for rural and remote students

Cost:

• $250 for metro students
• $187.50 for rural and remote students

Fees

• $300 for metro students
• $225 for rural and remote students
• NSW regional, rural and remote public schools list (DOCX 122.41 KB)

Student eligibility

• NSW public school students in Year 11 who are seeking a unique opportunity to develop their visual arts practice, working intensively with artists in a unique bushland setting
• Year 11 students studying all HSC, life skills, board-endorsed and content-endorsed courses in the area of visual arts are welcome to apply.
• A maximum of 4 students will be accepted from the same school if capacity is exceeded. This is negotiated with teachers once applications have closed.

Set among the sights and sounds of the wild, this one-of-a-kind camp is more than just an excursion – it’s a journey of self-discovery. Students will build teamwork, confidence, and resilience while working alongside industry-leading artists and fellow adventurers from other schools.

This includes the iconic Zoo Snooze experience – a rare opportunity for students to be fully immersed in the magic of the zoo after dark!

The expedition culminates in a spectacular showcase performance, where students share the treasures of their creative journey with family and friends – a celebration of courage, imagination, and pride.

Throughout the camp, students will trek across a wide creative landscape, participating in art forms such as: dance, drama, musical theatre, circus arts, film making and photography, Aboriginal arts, visual and creative arts and more!

The 2026 WILDarts Creative Arts Camp promises an unforgettable adventure, equipping students with lifelong skills and sending them home ready to roar as they step into high school.