PADC Names Ross Scotland 2025 North Metro TAFE Artist in Residence

After reviewing submissions from artists across WA, Ross Scotland was selected to create the design that adorns this year’s PADC gold skull -- a tangible piece of art that will be given to those who take home gold at the PADC Skulls Awards in November.

In a move to further bolster Western Australia’s creative landscape, the Perth Advertising and Design Club (PADC) and North Metropolitan TAFE this year expanded their long partnership into an artist residency.

PADC general manager Laura Vulling said, “We’ve been in partnership with North Metro TAFE for many years, creating new ways to engage WA’s creative industry.

"This artist residency — an initiative driven by our PADC leadership team and Brendan Hibbert, TAFE’s head of program for visual art, fashion, and textile design — is another way we can support and truly platform our incredible local artists.”

Ross Scotland said, "I'm really excited to get involved and make something awesome. It's a very cool thing, creating something that's hopefully going to last for the rest of someone's life. It’s exactly in line with all the things that I love and am passionate about.”

Throughout the residency, Ross has full access to the facilities and lecturers at North Metropolitan TAFE to make just about anything possible. For Ross, extending his skills in ceramics will be a big part of the residency.

PADC co-president Daniel Agostino said, “That’s the power of this initiative -- it not only creates meaningful opportunities for WA’s creative community, it expands artists’ skills, and shows local artists what’s possible in the world of commercial creativity in our state.”

The partnership also forges new collaborations across disciplines, like the documentary film that will follow the making of the skull, produced by local production agency, Sandbox, and co-directed by national award-winning photographer, Mauro Palmeri.

PADC co-president Leigh Wood added, “The skull trophy and the documentary will both be revealed at our annual Skulls Awards night in November. This event is where it all comes together as we celebrate and elevate our whole industry.”