How to foster resilience in higher visual art education: viewpoints from the students

The potential for Australian universities to fortify their students' wellbeing cannot be overlooked. As mental health difficulties increase within the Australian population, now is the time for universities to proactively support and sustain their students' resilience in preparation for study and work challenges. However, in the visual arts, there is still limited consideration of student opinions on this matter. In 2018 and 2019, the Visual Arts Wellbeing (VAW) research project explored the wellbeing needs of visual art students in Australian universities. This research gathered student perspectives on how university life influences their ability to thrive, and how universities can enhance visual art students' resilience and mental health while they are enrolled in their university degree. The recommendations that emerged from these research findings presented clear strategies to improve art students' wellbeing, including ways for art students, educators, and industry members to foster inclusivity and nurture a sense of belonging. This paper provides a general overview of the VAW research findings, with a focus on digital strategies to enhance visual art students' connectedness with their fellow artists.