From a Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) to a Master of Arts (Art in Public Space), Thao is now paving a successful career working as a Coordinator of the Contemporary Art and Social Transformation (CAST) research group in the School of Art, and teaching in Art History + Theory + Culture in the Bachelor of Art (Fine Art) course at RMIT University.
For Thao Nguyen, recipient of the 2013 RMIT Scholarship for Equity and Excellence, it was an easy decision to study her Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) at RMIT University, attracted by its strong reputation for innovation and excellence in the field. But it was the support she received throughout her studies that made her choose to stay with RMIT to complete her postgraduate studies in art.
On completing her Master of Arts (Art in Public Space), Thao says, “The course placed me in a hyper creative environment, which was essential for growth as an emerging artist.”
One of the highlights of her learning experience was interning at RMIT Gallery, where she co-curated the exhibition Bruised: Art Action and Ecology in Asia alongside Helen Rayment.
“This incredible opportunity challenged me and allowed me to work within the art industry to draw attention to an issue I am passionate about.”
It was this opportunity which led to Thao’s employment at the RMIT Gallery as a Gallery Assistant for Exhibitions and Collections.
Thao is now the Coordinator of the Contemporary Art and Social Transformation (CAST) research group in the School of Art, and teaching in Art History +Theory + Culture in the Bachelor of Art (Fine Art) course at RMIT University.
Her passion for learning continues as she furthers her study through a practice-led PhD in the School of Art. Supervised by Assoc Prof Grace McQuilten and Dr Rimi Khan (RMIT Vietnam), Thao investigates the weaponization of language against Asian Australians through the lens of a textile art practice.
For those considering studying an art course at RMIT, Thao advises, “The art culture at RMIT is a lively and exciting space. You will gain a lot from postgraduate courses at RMIT if you are open-minded and active in seeking and responding to learning and professional opportunities.”
