CUA30520 - Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

 

CUA30520 - Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

Celebrate Culture Through Art and Creative Expression

Are you passionate about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts and looking to develop your skills in visual arts, painting, printmaking, and digital design? The Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (CUA30520) is designed to help emerging Indigenous artists strengthen their cultural identity while building practical skills for a career in the arts industry.

This qualification supports artistic development, storytelling, and cultural expression while also providing pathways into cultural tourism, art galleries, and community arts programs.


Why Choose This Qualification?

Culturally Safe Training – Learn in a culturally supportive environment that respects and promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and storytelling.
Hands-On Arts Training – Gain practical experience in painting, sculpture, digital media, and community art projects.
Showcase Your Art – Work towards exhibiting your artwork in galleries, cultural centres, and online platforms.
Flexible Learning OptionsBlended learning (studio-based, online, and practical projects).
Away From Base (AFB) Approved – Eligible students can access the AFB allowance to support their studies.


Course Overview

  • Course Code & Name: CUA30520 - Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
  • Duration: 6-12 months (full-time) or part-time options available
  • Delivery Mode: Blended learning (studio-based, online, face-to-face, and practical training)
  • Study Hours: Approx. 600-1200 hours

Course Units

Core Units

  • CUAATS312 - Develop and apply knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts
  • CUAATS313 - Work effectively in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry
  • CUAPPR311 - Produce creative work
  • CUARES301 - Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice
  • BSBWHS211 - Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

Elective Units (Selected Based on Career Goals)

  • CUADIG212 - Develop digital imaging skills
  • CUAPAI311 - Produce paintings
  • CUAPRI312 - Produce prints
  • CUASCU311 - Produce sculpture
  • CUADES201 - Follow a design process

For a full list of units, please visit training.gov.au.


Delivery Locations

📍 Sydney Region: 35 Harvey Street, Little Bay NSW 2036 (Aboriginal Health College)

📍 Satellite Locations:

  • West Region: 8 Tony McGrane Pl, Dubbo NSW 2830
  • South Region: TBA
  • North Region: TBA

Course Offering Schedule

📆 Semester 1 Intake:

  • Applications Open: October
  • Applications Close: December
  • Course Starts: February

📆 Semester 2 Intake:

  • Applications Open: March
  • Applications Close: Early June
  • Course Starts: July

💡 Late Applications? Contact us to discuss enrolment options!


Entry Requirements

Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Minimum age of 16 years
Basic literacy and numeracy skills
Passion for cultural arts and storytelling


Course Cost & Funding

💰 Fee Range: $0 - $5,500 per student (call for exact pricing)

🟢 NSW Smart & Skilled Subsidised Training and Fee Exemptions:

  • Fee-Free Exemptions: $0
  • Concession: $160
  • Subsidised Fee: $750 (first qualification)
  • Full Fee: $5,500

For more information on fees, subsidies, and payment plans, visit our Fees & Funding page.


Study Resources & Support

📚 Access to learning materials:

  • Office 365 Student Account – Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Online Library Database for research and study support
  • Printed and digital study booklets

📡 Remote Learning Support: Alternative arrangements available for students in remote areas.

📞 Student Support Services:
✔ Academic support and tutoring
✔ Career advice and job placement assistance
✔ Culturally appropriate counselling services
✔ Away From Base (AFB) support for eligible students


Intensive (Residential) Study

📍 Face-to-Face Intensive Training Blocks are required as part of this qualification.
📍 Held at Aboriginal Health College, Little Bay NSW and other regional locations.


Away From Base (AFB) Eligibility

Eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students can receive financial support for:
✅ Travel costs to and from the training location
✅ Accommodation expenses while attending training
✅ Meals and incidental costs

🛑 AFB students must apply for ABSTUDY - Incidental Allowance before their first intensive block.

📢 Note: If you are a Trainee in NSW, AFB is not available. Instead, you may be eligible for VTAS travel and accommodation support.

For full AFB details, visit our Away From Base support page.


Workplace Training & Employment Pathways

🔹 Work Placement & Practical Training:

  • Hands-on experience in community arts programs, cultural centres, galleries, and tourism projects.

🎯 Career Outcomes:
✔ Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Visual Artist
✔ Cultural Arts Practitioner
✔ Arts Program Coordinator
✔ Community Arts Worker

📚 Further Study Pathways:
✔ Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
✔ Diploma of Visual Arts
✔ Other related arts and cultural heritage qualifications


Apply Now & Take the Next Step!

📞 Call: 02 9030 8200
📩 Email: info@ahmrc.edu.au
🌐 Website: www.ahmrc.org.au

🚀 Ready to share your culture through art and storytelling? Submit your application today!