Bion Balding founded LCAD in 1995 with a vision to improve the quality of Art & Design education in Australia. As both a Director and Course Coordinator, Bion holds a BA (Fine Art) from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Bion has exhibited throughout Australia and has been a recipient of the Australia Council Owen Tooth studio residency in Vence, France, and is a past winner of the St Kilda Art Prize. Bion has also lectured in Painting at La Trobe University prior to founding LCAD.

LCAD specialises in small class sizes and individual tutorial based learning. Students have the opportunity to not only develop specific skills but to experiment with different art-making modes and to refine their creative oeuvre and desired pathway. Our courses are a contemporary balance of skills-based training with applied creative direction.

LCAD courses are designed to maximise your connection to industry. We have strong connections with leading organisations, presenting galleries and partner institutions which provide our students with access to mentors and professionals at the vanguard of art and commerce. By studying at LCAD you will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to kick start your career or further your professional development.

LCAD strives to support students of any age and experience level. Students can choose from Diploma courses or Advanced Diploma courses as well as a variety of single subjects. This allows for customised learning in the areas that most appeal to a student’s interests and goals. The consistent success of our students over the past 26 years is evidenced by their ongoing commitment to exhibiting, working in leading design agencies, starting their own businesses and/or pursuing creative opportunities abroad.

LCAD is situated in a studio warehouse in the arts precinct of Collingwood. Only 2.5kms from the city centre of Melbourne, Collingwood is known for its galleries, art spaces, restaurants and community lifestyles. The diverse multicultural community makes the district a unique part of contemporary life in Australia. All of our facilities are equipped with the latest art technology and materials. Students undertaking our Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts program are provided with individual studio spaces to work in for the duration of their studies.