Skip to main content

VISCON26 - VCV Annual Conference

Viscon26 EmailHeader 1When: Friday 23rd October 2026

NGV, International Clemenger BBDO Auditorium & Gandel Hall

With a focus on why 'Design Education Matters,' VISCON26 will be an inspiring day opened by the director of the UoM Melbourne School of Design, Professor Dan Hill and creative interactive experiences designer, Simon Burgin of Sensory Pixel. 

We'll explore the significant role of design education in supporting future generations to meaningfully contribute to the development of sustainable future lifestyles and systems. As technology advances, we consider the shifting roles, knowledge and skills required of both designers and teachers.

The day will also feature a curriculum presentation by experienced VCD teacher and author of the Cambridge VISCOMM textbook Jacinta Patterson providing practical, thoughtful and innovative approaches to teaching VCD. There will also be an on the couch interview between two passionate teachers James Taylor and Jade Karp, providing opportunity to reflect on the perspectives of a veteran and early career teacher.  As well as a presentation from Ewan McEion, Senior NGV Curator, Contemporary Design and Architecture.

There's great opportunities throughout the day to chat and share ideas with fellow VCD teachers, while enjoying a catered morning tea and lunch. 

This is a VCV members only event. The seats are limited to the venue's capacity and tickets will be available until sold out. 

Registration costs:

  • Metropolitan Members: $380.00
  • Regional Members: $330.00
  • Pre-Service Teachers: $295.00

To register for this event, please login to the Members Area. Not a member yet? Join VCV.

You are either not a VCV member, or have not logged in. You can only access VCV member resources when logged in as a current member.

 

About the VISCON26 Presenters:

DANHILL reducedsize Keynote Speaker: Professor Dan Hill

Professor Dan Hill is Director of Melbourne School of Design at the University of Melbourne. Dan's previous design leadership roles include the Swedish government’s innovation agency Vinnova in Stockholm, Arup in London and Sydney, Fabrica in Treviso, the Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA in Helsinki, and the UK government’s Future Cities Catapult and the BBC in London. Dan is also a Professor of Practice and Advisory Board member at UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Practice and was one of the inaugural Mayor of London’s Design Advocates. Dan is the author of the books 'Dark Matter & Trojan Horses: A strategic design playbook’ (2012) and 'Designing missions' (2022).

 

SimonBurgin reducedsize Bluey

Industry Speaker: Simon Burgin - Sensory Pixel

Simon Burgin is an award-winning designer, developer, and creative technologist with 20 years of experience. A Massey University digital media honours graduate and member of WXO and AGDA, he specializes in experiential UX, art direction, and programming. Simon has created immersive experiences and digital art for high-profile projects including Bluey’s World, The Lume, WNDR Museum, and the National Museum Australia. His portfolio also spans brand activations for Nissan and BMW, alongside live A/V performances for Dark Mofo and Melbourne Music Week.

 

JP photo copy

Curriculum Presenter: Jacinta Patterson

Jacinta Patterson is Director of The Arts at Ivanhoe Grammar School and an experienced educator, curriculum and assessment leader. She has taught Visual Communication Design for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting students and teachers through high-quality learning resources. Jacinta is the author of several Visual Communication Design publications. She loves cats.

 

 

James Taylor 1Teacher Presenter: James Taylor 

James is a VCD teacher of 30 years, the past 12 at Box Hill High School. In his time, James has taught at independent and public schools as well as a time at TAFE teaching VCE to adults. A long-term contributor to VCV, James currently holds the position of Vice President.

 

 

JADEKARP reducedsize

Teacher Presenter: Jade Karp

Jade is a VCD teacher and Visual Arts Learning Area Leader at the King David School, where she has spent six years teaching Visual Communication Design across years 7 through 12. She's a fierce advocate for the benefits of a daily creative practice, and counts the fact that five other staff members now knit in public during staff meetings, after seeing her do it, as proof it's catching on.

 

There will also be a presentation with Ewan McEion, Senior NGV Curator, Contemporary Design and Architecture. As well as raffle draws and brief VCV updates from the council president Melissa Avery and Education Officer Siobhan Finn.