On September 8th we were proud to run our annual Visual and Performing Arts festival, Couch Fest, which saw Vocational Major students from across the college including Visual Arts, Performance and VM General students plan and coordinate a one night only festival that was attended by over 750 friends, family and members of the public. With the incredible support of their teachers led by the inimitable Alex Tsenalidis, Shelley Scown and Gemma Saunders; Couch Fest ’23 was our most successful Visual and Performing Arts Festival ever.

Music Performance students who had formed bands and choirs throughout the year, performed across three venues: our 300-seat auditorium, the Backyard Jam area and its Tiny House and the Recital Room; all while being supported by the student-led backstage sound production crews.

The Art Immersion students set up stalls to sell work they had produced over the semester. Their products were inspired by an environmental social cause of their choice, with part of the profits going to their chosen charity. Students set up several stalls including the very successful Eco Café which sold numerous coffees, hot chocolates, toasties, and homemade brownies, as well as a clothing and entertainment exchange and jar stall, that aimed to re-purpose and reuse our resources.

VCE Business Studies students ran several other stalls as did some other Arts students. Pre-apprenticeship VM students did a fantastic job directing the parking and ensuring that visitors were able to park quickly, smoothly and safely.

As the title suggested Couchfest was out of this world with over 750 people coming to the event, including several former students whom we were delighted to see and catch up with. A huge congratulations to all the students and staff involved – it was a magnificent effort.

With over 750 friends, family and members of the public in attendance, Couch Fest ’23 was our most successful Visual and Performing Arts Festival ever.

Northern College of the Arts and Technology (NCAT) in Preston is a Year 10 – 12 Government School and Registered Training Organisation. RTO Number 6736

NCAT VCE VM Couchfest Visual Performing Arts

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Congratulations to all students, staff, volunteers and performers of this year’s NCAT Couchfest. After running smaller versions over the last two years, NCAT Couchfest was back with the biggest one yet. Originating in 2015, Couchfest is a student-led event showing the incredible talents of our VCE Vocational Major (VM) students across Visual and Performing Arts and General VCE VM.

Performance VCE VM students studying a Certificate II in Dance or Music or a Certificate III in Music Performance or Sound Production, worked as a production company to plan and organise the music and performance event with over 30 bands, solo acts, dance and theatre performances. The performances wowed the 500 strong audience across a number stages.

Visual Arts Immersion VCE VM students worked tirelessly to create artworks and products for sale at over a dozen student-run market stalls and General VCE VM students ran recycled clothing stall and sustainable cafe.

The well-known food truck Taco Truck sold out all its food. Many past students visited, and it was great for visitors to come and see exactly what NCAT students can do.