From 1986 – 2009 Western Sydney University, or as it was then known as the University of Western Sydney, played a critical role in the advancement of visual arts literacy and training in the region through the art school on the Nepean campus. The art school was known for its experimental and risk-taking approach across a range of media and its legacy still resonates widely throughout the arts sector today with an impressive list of student and staff alumnae working as professional artists, lecturers, and curators.

In 2021 alumnus curator and artist Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham curated the exhibition Space YZ at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Staged twelve years since the closure of the art school, Space YZ presented significant early works created by 88 Visual Arts and Electronic Arts alumni during their undergraduate studies or within two years of graduation.

In addition to the exhibition a comprehensive digital resource was created. The resource includes 22 commissioned responses from artist alumni, former academics and special industry guests reflecting on their time at Western Sydney University, the impact it had on their life and career, the closure of the school, as well as the broader Western Sydney art scene.

This valuable resource can be accessed here: https://www.spaceyz.com.au/