From student artist to the Archibald Prize, how Drew Bickford's creative career took shape at Western Sydney University

Growing up in the Blue Mountains, Archibald Prize finalist and Western Sydney University alumnus Drew Bickford was surrounded by a creative family.

Though not artists themselves, his parents were instrumental in developing his practical artmaking skills.

“They encouraged my love of drawing and sculpting and helped me find work experience opportunities as a teenager,” said Drew.

“My cousin was a filmmaker, my sister is a writer and poet, my brother a world class chef, my uncle a violinist and teacher. So, there was a lot of exposure to the arts in various forms.”

After high school Drew wasn’t considering tertiary study, as no one in his immediate family had walked this path before him. After some time passed and his interest in art continued to flourish, he decided to enrol in a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at Western Sydney University, known at the time as University of Western Sydney, to further develop his art practice.

“I knew that the arts education offering at the University was a really successful training ground for young artists, especially those in the greater west.”

“By enrolling as a mature aged student, I was able to focus on a goal to develop practical skills and find confidence in my lifelong interest in artmaking.”

In what felt like a natural follow on from his Fine Arts degree, Drew then enrolled in a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).

“I became fascinated in art theory and all of the units that were offered through the teaching degree.”

“Importantly, the calibre of educators across both degrees was phenomenal, with teachers, lecturers and tutors who were all leaders in their field.”

Since graduating in 2003, Drew has gone on to have an incredibly successful career both as an art educator and an artist. A parallel career which he describes as his true passion.

Throughout his career, Drew’s work has been featured in scores of art exhibitions, and he is currently represented by Flinders Street Gallery in Surry Hills. His work is featured in private collections and major arts institutions across the country.

“I have run the Art and Design Department at Kambala – one the oldest and most prestigious private girl’s schools in the country – for 7 of my 16 years at the school.”

Have only ‘dabbled’ in oil painting, Drew thought his entry into the 2024 Archibald Prize would be a long shot. To his delight, he was selected as a finalist for his painting of Australian artists and filmmakers, Soda_Jerk.

“It was totally incredible that I became a finalist in my very first entry to the prestigious prize, then even more incredible when I was selected again in 2026 for my painting of the RackaRacka twin filmmakers, Danny and Michael Philippou.”

“My experience at Western Sydney University definitely gave me the footing to feel confident, relevant and at home in Sydney’s art scene.”

For other budding artists considering an arts degree, Drew’s advice is to ‘absolutely do it’.

“The breadth of study is so much more expansive than is perceived from the outside, and the exposure to an incredible community of educators, artists, community members and progressive thinkers is beyond compare.”

ENDS.

10 September 2026
Photo credit: Dylan Crawford
Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media and PR Advisor