This week, AWARD School 2026 reached its halfway point, marking six weeks of briefs, late nights and the familiar tutor refrain to “push it further.”
Students came together across the country to reconnect before moving into new groups and tutors for the second half of the course.
In Victoria, ATime&Place hosted students for an evening of “ways in” stories from alumni Chris Jovanov and Andy Matthews, alongside practical advice from co-founders Matt Lawson and Adrian Mills.
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In NSW, Clemenger BBDO hosted a high-octane night of creative therapy, chaotic trivia and the reassuring realisation that no one was alone in second-guessing their ideas.
Events in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and online brought students together for tutor reviews, networking and practical insights from alumni and School Heads.
Midway folio reviews in Perth delivered “clarity and lightbulb moments,” according to one student. Tutors say the exceptionally diverse WA cohort is producing a wide range of standout ideas and will be one to watch this year.
The gatherings highlighted one of AWARD School’s greatest strengths: a national community of tutors, alumni and industry leaders committed to helping the next generation break into commercial creativity.
The course now enters its second half, with Tara McKenty, Chief Creative Officer at AKQA, set to deliver next week’s national Digital lecture. Recent sessions have also included Tom and George McQueen of Droga5 New York, alongside a growing line-up of local and international creative leaders.
With six weeks to go, students are sharper, more confident and firmly focused on the final stretch.
A big thanks to our professional development team for organising the events, and for keeping the AWARD School wheels turning day in, day out – Simone Goldstein, Melissa Vella (WA), Sarah Naumoski (VIC), Gabrielle Jarratt, and Gail Garaughty.
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