TAFE NSW & Design Centre Enmore presented Sydney's Wearable Art Gala (SWAG) on 28th and 29th November. Over 90 established and emerging wearable art creators showcased their outrageous designs on stage for the second annual Wearable Art Gala competition in front of a live audience.
This year, artists were encouraged to submit designs under the theme 'Vaudeville' across six categories: Haus of Dr. Frankenstein, McPunk!, The Vaudevillians, Headworks, Out of this World!, and Fairy Tales Behaving Badly (The Next Level of Bad!).
I am thrilled that Penrith's very own budding wearable artist, Elijah (Eli) Lackey, was appointed this year's Young Achiever Award for his exceptional 'Out of this World!' design, "Kevin the Creature".
TAFE NSW student Eli Lackey said, "My Wearable art is a creature from a strange and harsh alien planet devoid of light. As a result, the creature has evolved a keen sense of smell, and touch, to survive on its world of complete darkness. Despite this harsh environment, Kevin is quite friendly and is inspired by creature designs for children's shows such as Ben 10 and Generator Rex."
Eli Lackey took up the opportunity to study TAFE NSW's new fee-free course in Certificate III in Live Production (Scenery and Props) last year. Under the NSW Government's commitment to keep TAFE accessible, fee-free TAFE placements have helped to tackle the entertainment industry's growing skills gaps. Data from Live Performance Australia's January 2024 Skills Priority List highlights critical shortages in staging technicians, stagehands, technical directors, set and scenic designers, and costume makers.
With COVID-19 causing countless shortages in the live entertainment industry, TAFE offers students invaluable hands-on training while allowing students to break into and gain a first-hand experience of Sydney's growing wearable art design sector.
I want to congratulate all the artists and designers and thank host Murray Cook (The original Red Wiggle!), the panel of industry experts, and TAFE NSW and its Industry and Community Partners for hosting such a captivating event. The showcase allowed these artists the opportunity to bring their designs to life on the stage while donating $5 from every ticket to Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets, a local charity tackling homelessness in the city.
If you are interested in breaking into the entertainment industry or looking to gain expert knowledge and
experience across an array of courses from healthcare to construction TAFE NSW enrolments are now open for the 2025 intake. These select courses are offered as part of the NSW Government's fee-free TAFE scheme.
Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith, said:
“The impressive work demonstrated at this year’s Sydney Wearable Art Gala by Elijah Lackey is just one example of how our Penrith residents are excelling as a result of the NSW Government’s Fee-Free TAFE positions."
Elijah Lackey, said:
“SWAG has been an amazing opportunity in both 2023 and 2024 to showcase my work and participate in the
showcase alongside so many other artists.”
“I’m very thankful to all my teachers and peers for their help in improving my skills and creative techniques
throughout these past two years at TAFE NSW.”
“I would encourage anyone interested in working in the entertainment industry to pursue a TAFE course in 2025.”
