Purnima
Get to Know
Embracing her diverse heritage, Purnima weaves the power of words, art and community to craft transformative personal, cultural and social narratives and to foster enriching, innovative projects and learning experiences.
About Purnima
Areas of expertise
Purnima’s work spans performance poetry, visual art, curation, teaching, educational design, authorship, publishing and community-building. As an artist and educator shaped by diverse international cultures, her roles as poet, speaker, curator, changemaker and activist are united by a belief in art’s transformative power.
Working across multiple mediums, Purnima is an interdisciplinary artist whose works are influenced by her rich Indian and Thai heritages. Her art, available for purchase at Purnima Creations and shipped worldwide, showcases a unique fusion of aesthetics, blending the wealth of both cultures. Whilst exhibiting her art internationally, Purnima also welcomes commissions for personalised pieces.
Teaching
A dedicated teacher of English Language and Literature, Purnima has taught the subject in Secondary schools in Australia, the UK, and currently in Thailand. Her passion for interdisciplinary learning and teaching is rooted in her previous roles as a museum educator at the National Gallery of Victoria and The Ian Potter Museum of Art (Australia), whereby she organised Professional Development programs for educators, conducted ‘creative writing inspired by art’ workshops for students of all ages, and published educational resources promoting social inclusion, accessible arts education, and cultural diversity.
Workshop Facilitation
As an advocate for the power of words, Purnima facilitates poetry and writing workshops, masterclasses, professional development courses, bespoke writing sessions, and community projects. Through her Creative Writers’ Studio and collaborations with schools, museums, galleries, and businesses, she aims to inspire creativity, build empathy, cultivate storytelling, and foster connections with self and others through creative writing.
Researching
Purnima’s published research centres around her interests in museum education, teacher-artist issues, and the connection between visual art and literacy. She has contributed to journals including Australian Art Education, English Australia, The Canadian Review of Art Education, IGI Global, and The Journal of Artistic and Creative Education with her peer-reviewed research papers and book chapters. During her tenure as co-researcher and lecturer at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, she oversaw the acclaimed ‘Teacher as Artmaker Project’ and taught the Master of Education course, ‘Teaching and Artistic Practice.’ She assumed the role of manager for the 2013 Art Association of Australia and New Zealand conference, focusing on the theme of ‘Inter-discipline,’ where she curated a panel on ‘Interdisciplinarity in Art Museums.’ Her interdisciplinary approach to teaching writing in museums and schools have gained international recognition, being widely cited in research publications.
A passionate poet, Purnima performs her inspiring and empowering poetry at events and festivals, and is currently writing her debut poetry book, where she delves into themes of women’s empowerment, activism, the diaspora, creativity, identity, belonging, mental health, and healing, among other societal issues. Poetry is her powerful medium to inspire, uplift, and foster unity through the art of words. You can discover her poetry showcased on social media and also book Purnima to perform at your event.
Editorial & Publishing
Purnima has edited art exhibition catalogues with distinguished art museums and published educational textbooks with prestigious publishers. Notably, her project-based textbook series ‘Inspired English’ published by Macmillan Education Australia, is aimed at improving Secondary English students’ creative writing and critical thinking through art.
Arts Writing
A creative writer whose work is published in books, magazines and newspapers, Purnima has written for art, culture and travel titles as a freelancer for Indian Link, The Melbourne Review, Arts Hub Australia and Expat Weekend Thailand.
Purnima’s innovative curation has received wide media coverage for their representation of interdisciplinary practitioners. She is passionate about creating opportunities for writers and artists to exhibit and publish their work in curated exhibitions and anthologies, supporting a global community of established and emerging writers, artists and artist-educators.
Empowerment
Creative Journey
Purnima is an Australian-Thai performance poet, artist, author and English Language and Literature teacher of Indian heritage. She uses poetry and art to understand the world, explore and reaffirm cultural identity, and raise awareness of global issues such as women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. An internationally recognised creative educator, Purnima is committed to empowering people of all ages to tell their own stories, live their full potential and be their authentic selves by holding space for creative expression in all environments of living and learning.
Her global arts and education journey has taken her from Bangkok to Melbourne, Sydney, London and back to Bangkok, where she was born and raised. Her passion for writing and art began at an early age as a means of personal catharsis, challenging stereotypes and self-expression.
Purnima holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Teaching (Secondary) supported by the New Generation International Postgraduate Award scholarship, and a Master of Art Administration from the University of New South Wales. Her career spans roles at institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Ian Potter Museum of Art, where she combined her expertise in visual art and creative writing as a museum educator. She has also served as Manager of the Art Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference, Exhibition Curator at the Melbourne Festival of Ideas, Editor of the Journal of Artistic and Creative Education and the Australian Wildlife Art Foundation, and authored the Inspired English series for Macmillan Education, integrating art into creative writing and critical thinking.
Driven by a belief in performance poetry as a tool for social change, healing and activism, she performs internationally to amplify marginalised voices, and speaks on arts integration, creative writing through art, and youth empowerment through spoken word.
Alongside working as a creative entrepreneur, Purnima has over a decade of international experience teaching Secondary English at leading schools in Australia, the UK and currently Thailand. She embodies the artist–teacher philosophy – bringing art into the classroom and teaching into one’s art, exploring this interdisciplinary path in her TED Talk, Who am I? Artist, Teacher or Both? Having witnessed firsthand the challenges creatives face in sustaining their art careers while working in education, she successfully thrives in both realms, viewing nurturing creativity and talent as non-negotiable. This commitment fuels her work and voice in empowering professionals to sustain and engage in creative practice.
Purnima is the founder of The Creative Writers’ Studio, empowering adults through words and visual art, and of the global Teachers as Practitioners Project (TAPs), a professional development programme that curates exhibitions to showcase staff creativity and build an inclusive, supportive community where educators are valued as artists.
Her contributions have been recognised with multiple awards and prizes for global impact in the arts and education. She champions creativity as an international voice for an interdisciplinary life, demystifies non-linear career paths, supports multi-passionate creatives, and advocates creativity as a catalyst for change.
01
Creating Change
Join Purnima to explore the power of ‘doing’ as well as ‘teaching’ and unleash the potential within educators and creatives. In her TEDx Talk, Purnima shares her personal and career journey, posing the thought-provoking question, “Who am I?” Unveiling the importance of hidden talents and shedding light on the struggles faced by artist-teachers, this inspiring talk offers solutions and ignites change.
02
Igniting creativity
Purnima believes in using the transformative power of words and visual art to inspire creativity, explore and reaffirm cultural identity, ignite activism for positive change and to nurture connection with our authentic selves. She sees art-making as a way to start conversations that challenge stereotypes, support self-acceptance and the journey of self-discovery. Through her global work in the arts and education industries, she hopes to empower others to embrace their talents and live to their fullest potential.
03
Creative inspiration
Purnima’s work is broadly inspired by:
- Writing and art-making as an expressive and therapeutic way to connect with others, stay curious, imaginative and grow in empathy.
- A sense of belonging to many places and heritages, typical of
third-culture upbringings - The personal journey of reconciling a multiplicity of professional and personal identities
- Global issues including women’s empowerment, mental health, the diaspora and the environment
- Feelings, the creative act, the universe, nature, hope, the light and dark
- Her published research on the special relationship between the visual and written modes of expression
Portfolio
Creating Connections: Art, Words, Education
As an artist, poet, researcher, curator, and educator of English literature & creative writing, Purnima’s work centres upon igniting interdisciplinary creativity between the written and visual modes of expression. Her work has been featured globally in a variety of different avenues and formats, ranging from spoken word poetry performances, published works, exhibitions, public talks, to innovative and engaging workshops.
“A role model for creative women everywhere”
(International Women’s Day organisation)
CV
Purnima has worked and collaborated with leading profit and not-for-profit arts and education organisations in Australia, Thailand and the UK.
2012
Masters of Art Administration
College of Fine Arts, The University of New South Wales
Graduated with high distinction
Masters thesis: Evaluation methods for museum education programs: Case study – Evaluating the effectiveness of the National Gallery of Victoria’s literacy programs.
2011
Masters of Teaching (Secondary)
Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne
Specialisms: English, Visual Art & ESL (including PGcert in TESOL)
2009
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) Creative Writing & Visual Arts
The University of Melbourne
First-class Honours
Honours thesis: From performance to performativity: The artists’ book as object, to the artists’ book as performance.
Thailand
Sep 2017 – Present
Secondary English Teacher
Bangkok Patana School
Key Stage 3, International GCSE (IGCSE) & International Baccalaureate (IB)
United Kingdom
Sep 2016 – Sep 2017
Secondary English Teacher
Tiffin Girls Grammar School, London
Key Stage 3, GCSE & A-Levels
Sep 2015 – Aug 2016
Secondary Art & English Teacher
Valley Park High School, Kent
Key Stage 3, GCSE & A-Levels
Australia
Jun 2014 – Nov 2014
English Language Teacher
Cambridge International College, Melbourne
Devised lessons and assessments for students in General English and Academic English programs.
Participated in and led professional development programs for teachers.
Jul 2013 – Nov 2014
Subject Lecturer, Arts Education
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Coordinated lectures, tutorials and workshops for Master of Education students undertaking the subject ‘Teaching and Artistic Practice’
Monitored, assessed and provided students feedback
May 2012 – Mar 2014
Gallery Educator
The National Gallery of Victoria
Ensured continuity in programs and teaching across year levels and educational disciplines, particularly in Art, English and ESL, using the Gallery collection
Co-delivered Professional Learning programs to schoolteachers (Art, English and ESL) on how to use to support learning and teaching
Feb 2013 – Jul 2013
Sessional Lecturer & Tutor, Arts Education
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Planned and delivered lectures and tutorials for pre-service teacher students completing the subject ‘Learning Area Visual Art 1 (Sec)’ in the Master of Teaching (Secondary Art) program.
Apr 2011 – Jun 2011
Teacher Candidate, ESL (PGcert TESOL Placement)
Adult Multicultural Education Services, Melbourne
Planned, delivered and evaluated communicative lesson plans and student resources in accordance with CSWEI and LLNP curriculum documents
Maintained records of learning progress, provided continual feedback to students, generated and assessed student assignments using individually developed rubrics.
Planned and delivered sequences of lessons and units within the methodological framework of developing English language macro-skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
Planned and led an excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria.
Jul 2010 – Nov 2010
Teacher Candidate, English & Art (Mteach School Placement)
Presentation College Windsor, Melbourne
Curriculum development: Planned, delivered and assessed Creating and Making and Exploring and Responding units for Secondary Visual Art students.
Curriculum development: Planned, delivered and assessed units on creative writing, public speaking, and text analysis, for Secondary English students.
Developed extra-curricular excursions: collaborated with educators from the National Gallery of Victoria to develop and lead a tailor-made excursion for Year 10 Art; led excursions to the Sikh temple, Melbourne Museum, and supported organisation of the Art Show
Feb 2010 – Jun 2010
Teacher Candidate, English & Art (Mteach School Placement)
Bayside Secondary College, Melbourne
Delivered Visual Art lessons including lino-printing, painting, and art responding units
Planned, delivered and assessed English units on text analysis, persuasive language and creative writing, focusing on differentiation for mixed ability students
Feb 2015 – Aug 2015
Nite Art Festival, Melbourne
Audience Engagement Consultant
– Edited print and online content for the Nite Art exhibition and arts programme
– Engaged in copywriting
– Assisted with art grant applications
– Advised on artist and exhibition programming for increased inclusivity cultural diversity
Feb 2013 – Jan 2014
Art Association of Australia and New Zealand
Conference Manager
– Managed 40 volunteers to assist with the running of the conference
– Coordinated print and digital media including the publishing of the program, AAANZ website and social media
– Planned the conference program and liaised with keynote speakers
– Coordinated the annual book prize and postgraduate master classes
– Sourced funding, in-kind support and managed the conference budget
– Administered advertising, venue logistics and registrations
Feb 2013 – Sept 2013
The Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne
Museum Learning Resources Developer
– Applied Visual Thinking Strategies in the creation of new education kits and programmes aimed at developing tertiary students’ cross-disciplinary skills
– Developed interactive ways to understand and interpret the museum’s art collection on the website
Jun 2012 – Dec 2012
The Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne
Education Officer – Basil Sellers Art Prize Exhibition
– Planned, delivered and evaluated primary, secondary, adult and tertiary museum programmes
– Developed interdisciplinary programs based on VELS, VCE and Australian Curriculum documents
– Introduced a Children’s Trail program and education kit encouraging children to look, think and respond imaginatively to the art collection through drawing and creative writing
– Devised a comprehensive education kit for ESL students, encouraging exhibition orientation and art interpretation
Jan 2010 – Jun 2010
Biennale of Sydney
Education Officer
– Created education kits designed for school audiences to support engagement with the Biennale’s themes and artists
– Communicated with external stakeholders to deliver the programme and tours around the Biennale site
Jun 2009 – Dec 2009
Art Month Sydney Festival
Art Administrator
– Liaised with commercial and public galleries and artist-run initiatives to produce exhibitions, education and public programs featuring Australian, Indigenous and international contemporary artists
– Worked with a team to organise opening nights
Communicated with guest speakers to facilitate visitor enjoyment of contemporary art
Jan 2011 – Aug 2011
The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Education Intern
– Planned, developed, promoted, delivered and evaluated student and teacher programs and resources using the NGV collection and temporary exhibitions to enhance student learning
– Participated in departmental and interdepartmental meetings and internal and external professional learning activities for teachers.
– Led independent collection and exhibition research
– Developed pre-visit and post-visit Gallery resources, including educational floor talks, Gallery tours, practical workshops and online and print education kits curriculum documents.
– Collaborated with schoolteachers to develop tailored education programs
– Maintained daily interaction with colleagues, students, teachers, artists, curators, board members and external stakeholders.
Jul 2009 – Nov 2009
Artsweek Festival, Sydney
Event Coordinator and Curator
– Organised student exhibitions, book launches, artist-run workshops and festival entertainment with team members
– Communicated with community artists, arts organisations and students to achieve festival objectives.
Jul 2009 – Nov 2009
Shack Youth Services, Sydney
Tutor
– Mentored high school students from financially disadvantaged and culturally diverse backgrounds to aid students’ study of English.
Feb 2006 – Jun 2006
Melbourne Photography Society, Melbourne
Activities Officer & Editor
– Organised photo-critique sessions, workshops, competitions, exhibitions and excursions for members
– Led committee meetings
2018
Thailand
– Ruanglertbutr, P.: Who am I? Artist, Teacher or Both? TEDx Talk, Bangkok Patana School, Thailand.
2014
– Ruanglertbur, P. (2014). Judge in a panel, Student Services Art Award, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
– Imms, W. & Ruanglertbutr, P. (2014). To do or not to do? Trends in longitudinal data concerning new Visual Art teachers’ art making, including impact on production, quality of teaching, and employment retention. Paper to be presented at the World Congress, International Society for Education in the Arts (InSEA), Melbourne, Australia.
– Ruanglertbutr, P. (February 17 2014). A Community of Artist-Teachers. Keynote opening lecture for Exhibition – Public Hanging XVII, Methodist Ladies College, Melbourne. (Presentation by invitation and travel grant of $1,000).
2013
– Ruanglertbutr, P. (2013). Inclusive museum education programming: engaging multicultural and English as a Second Language audiences in art museums. Inter-discipline, Art Association of Australia and New Zealand (AAANZ) Conference, Melbourne, December 2013.
– Ruanglertbutr, P. & May, S. (2013). Artful English: Teaching the Australian Curriculum and Curriculum Priorities through Visual Art. Victorian Association of Teachers of English (VATE) Middle Years Conference, Castlemaine. August 2013.
– Ruanglertbutr, P. & May, S. (2013). Artful English: Teaching the Australian Curriculum and Curriculum Priorities through Visual Art. Victorian Association of Teachers of English (VATE) Middle Years Conference, Castlemaine. August 2013.
2012
– Ruanglertbutr, P. & Imms, W. (2012) Can early career teachers both teach and make art? ART IMPACT. Art Education Victoria state conference, Melbourne. November 2012.
– Imms, W. & Ruanglertbutr, P. (2012). Can early career teachers be artists as well? First International Artist as Teacher Conference, Oslo, Norway. September 2012 (presentation by invitation).
– Ruanglertbutr, P. & May, S. (2012). The Art of English. Testing Your Limits: English in the Middle Years. Victorian Association of Teachers of English conference, Queenscliffe, Victoria
EXHIBITIONS CURATED
2014
– Connections: Art, Teaching, Life, George Paton Gallery, Melbourne
2013
– The Artful World of Animals, Festival of Ideas 2013, Melbourne
– Sensations of Artmaking: Triumphs, Torments and Risk-taking, Victorian Artists Society Galleries, Melbourne
2012
– Crossing Boundaries: The Journey from Teacher to Teaching Artist, George Paton Gallery, Melbourne
2011
– Homegrown: Artists Practising and Engaging with Local Sustainability. Curated by curatorial students of The University of New South Wales, College of Fine Arts. COFA Gallery, The College of Fine Arts.
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2016
– Reciprocity: Learning From, Giving Back, StudioFive, Melbourne
2015
– SmallWorks 2014 Art Prize, Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
2014
– Connections: Art, Teaching, Life, George Paton Gallery, Melbourne
2013
– The Artful World of Animals, Festival of Ideas 2013, Melbourne
– Sensations of Artmaking: Triumphs, Torments and Risk-taking, Victorian Artists Society Galleries, Melbourne
2012
– Crossing Boundaries: The Journey from Teacher to Teaching Artist, George Paton Gallery, Melbourne
– The Photo Response Project, Brooklyn Art Library, New York.
– The Adventure Project, Art House Co-op YouTube Channel.
– The Meal, Brooklyn Art Library, New York.
– Letters to Home, Brooklyn Art Library, New York.
– The Sketchbook Project World Tour, Brooklyn Art Library, Brooklyn (NY); Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago (IL); The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel, Portland (OR); W2 Media Café, Vancouver (Canada); iam 8bit, Los Angeles (CA); Pop-Up Library, San Francisco Bay Area; LynnArts, Greater Boston Area; SPACE Gallery, Portland (ME); The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto (Canada); The Painted Bride co-presented with InLiquid, Philadelphia (PA); MASS Collective, Atlanta (GA); Full Sail University, Winter Park (FL); Co-Lab Project Space, Austin (TX); Canada Water Library co-presented with The Albany, London (U.K); NGV Studio, Melbourne (Australia).
2011
– Homegrown: Artists Practising and Engaging with Local Sustainability. Curated by curatorial students of The University of New South Wales College of Fine Arts. COFA Gallery, The College of Fine Arts.
– The Sketchbook Project, Brooklyn Art Library, Brooklyn (NY); SPACE Gallery, Portland (ME); Austin Museum of Art, Austin (TX); The Granite Room, Atlanta (GA); Hillyer Art Space, Washington (DC); Mercer Gallery and Monroe Community College, Rochester (NY); Form/Space Ateller, Seattle (WA); Madrone Studios, San Francisco (CA); Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago (IL); Full Sail University (Full Sail Live Auditorium); Winter Park (FL).
– Imbalance: Fotoholics Photography Competition and Exhibition, George Paton Gallery, The University of Melbourne.
2008
– Journeys Photography Competition and Exhibition, Ballieu Library, The University of Melbourne.
– Constellation, Parkville Campus, The University of Melbourne.
2007
– Light Moves, Ballieu Library, The University of Melbourne.
– Material Practice, George Paton Gallery, The University of Melbourne.
– Guerilla Photography: Photographic Works from the 2007 Framed Photography Competition, George Paton Gallery, The University of Melbourne.
2006
– [Un]bound, Artist’s Books and other Works by SCA Students, Baillieu Library, The University of Melbourne.
Dec 2010 – Jun 2014
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Research Assistant and Co-Researcher
– Researched and wrote articles on the topic of the ‘Artist Educator’ for publication in academic journals
– Produced summary reports for the research project: “Partnership between schools and the professional arts sector: Evaluation of impact on student outcomes,” coordinated by Arts Victoria’s the Department of Education and – Early Childhood Development, and Melbourne Graduate School of Publication.
– Administered the Teacher as Artmaker Project, including analysing longitudinal surveys, devising surveys, conducting literature reviews, and composing articles using findings.
– Presented in Australian and international conferences
Curated the annual Teacher as Artmaker Exhibitions, including managing marketing and promotion.
– Developed and maintained the Teacher as Artmaker website content
Apr 2012 – 2016
Journal of Artistic and Creative Education, University of Melbourne
Editor
– Supervised reviews of articles for journal issues, editing of manuscripts and liaisons with eEditor (design and graphics) on presentation of journal issues.
– Sourced national and international contributors and practitioners in the field of museum education, formulating an editorial essay and research focus for the
– Special Edition journal on Museums and Gallery Education: Purpose, Practice and Pedagogy for publication
Jan 2014 – Dec 2015
Indian Link Magazine, Australia
Freelance Contributing Arts Writer
– Wrote and published articles and essays on significant exhibitions, people and events relevant to the Australian-Indian community in Australia
2013
Wildlife Art Museum of Australia
Exhibition Catalogue Editor
– Edited the book Inspiration Wild: A Celebration of Nature and Environment published by Wildlife Art Museum of Australia, the inaugural publication for the Museum’s fundraising launch
– Liaised with artists for content and submission of images
– Managed the book production process from concept, acquisition of content, proofreading, layout and design to the launch, in liaison with the Art Advisory Council and graphic designer.
Dec 2010 – Nov 2014
‘Teacher Artmaker Project’ Exhibition Catalogues
Exhibitions Catalogue Editor
– Conceptualised exhibition themes and titles for three Teacher Artmaker Exhibitions: Crossing Boundaries: The Journey from Teacher to Teaching Artist, Sensations of Artmaking: Triumphs, Torments and Risk-taking, Connections: Art, Teaching, Life
– Maintained contact with artist-teacher exhibitors from Victorian schools, to exhibit works of art
– Researched for, wrote and edited exhibition catalogues and interpretative labels
– Marketed exhibitions and catalogues in print and online media
2013
The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne
Exhibitions Catalogue Editor
– Conceptualised exhibition theme and title
– Researched for and edited exhibition catalogues and interpretative labels, including writing a foreword
– Liaised with artists for content and submission of images
– Managed the book production process from concept, acquisition of content, proofreading, layout and design to the launch
Nov 2007 – Mar 2008
Expat Weekend Magazine, Thailand
Editorial Assistant
– Wrote, edited and published articles relevant to art and culture
– Photographed images for publication in the magazine
Achievements
Awards
Journey through Purnima’s achievements, from poetry and writing prizes to receiving distinguished international awards in teaching, research, publishing, academic excellence, and art-making.
30IN30 Poetry Competition Prize
Awarded by Red Room Poetry Australia
2021
Winner of the day 11 #30in30 daily poetry competition prize by Red Room Poetry, Australia in celebration of Poetry Month Australia. Commended for a captivating three-line poetic response composed within 24 hours, with the opportunity for paid publication, valuable feedback, and a book prize by Hassan Al Nawaab published by Fremantle Press.
Thai-Indian Youth Achievement Award
Awarded by Thai-Indian Youth Association
2018
Recognised as the recipient of the prestigious Education Category award for exceptional contributions as an artist-teacher.
The Thai Indian Youth Achievers Awards honour and reward remarkable achievements by young individuals in their specialised fields, highlighting their outstanding accomplishments and dedication.
Young Australian Alumni Award
Awarded by Australian Chamber of Commerce
2018
Awarded for remarkable early career accomplishments and the impactful contributions made to local and global communities using Australian higher education degrees. The prestigious Young Australian Alumni Award is organised by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and celebrates exceptional professional achievements across various categories.
Highly Commended Prize
Awarded by 24th Australian Educational Publishing Awards
2017
Our textbook series ‘Inspired English’ , a collaboration between Macmillan Education Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria, was shortlisted for the 24th Australian Educational Publishing Awards and received the highly commended prize in the English category. The Australian Educational Publishing Awards are organised by the Australian Publishers’ Association. The prestigious annual Educational Publishing Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in this thriving Australian Industry.
Excellence in academic teaching
Awarded by Melbourne Graduate School of Education
2015
Purnima’s dedication to academic excellence and innovative teaching practices was recognised with a commendation for excellence in academic teaching. The Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education commended Purnima for exceptional lectures on ‘Teaching and Artistic Practice’ in the Masters of Education Programme. The course received high praise from candidates, with a rating of 4.5, placing it in the highest range for teaching delivery and intellectual stimulation.
Staff Engagement Excellence Award
Nominated by Melbourne Graduate School of Education
2014
Nominated for their groundbreaking research initiative, the Teacher Artmaker Project, Dr. Wesley Imms and Purnima have engaged with the Master of Teaching Alumni, showcasing a growing list of publications and presentations that inspire early career teachers across subject specialisms.
Photography Art Prize
Awarded by Art Melbourne Affordable Art Fair
2012
Recipient of the prestigious “What Will You Frame?” Photography Art Prize, Purnima’s captivating photograph, “barren landscape,” captured the essence of Grampians National Park, in response to the prompt “take a picture of something that inspires you.” Her photograph depicts parts of our region in a vulnerable state through branches that stretch towards the sky. The award included a prized Will and Caro Crane sculpture valued at $7000.
Dean’s List Award
Awarded by College of Fine Arts, UNSW2011
The award celebrates Purnima’s dedication to academic excellence in the Master of Art Administration programme. The esteemed Dean’s List award recognises outstanding academic achievements and is awarded to the top student enrolled in each Masters programme at the University of New South Wales.
Assessment, Learning and Teaching Award
Awarded by Melbourne Graduate School of Education
2010
For presenting expertise in assessment conceptualisation, rubric construction, and matrix design to a panel that included the Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Selected as one of the distinguished groups from the Master of Teaching program, Purnima and her team represented their cohort at the Graduate School of Education showcase; their outstanding presentation demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching through effective application of theoretical frameworks.
New Generation International Postgraduate Award
Awarded by The University of Melbourne
2010
Recognised for exceptional academic performance in the Bachelor of Creative Arts program, Purnima received an esteemed scholarship towards a Masters degree at the University of Melbourne.
Melbourne Dean’s Honours List Award
Awarded by The University of Melbourne
2007
The Deans Honours List is an annual recognition of the highest achieving students in the Faculty of Arts, who have demonstrated exceptional ability in one or more disciplines.
Purnima’s inclusion in the list highlights her exceptional performance, placing her among the top 1% of students in the Bachelor of Creative Arts program.
Art in the Library Award
Awarded by Baillieu Library
2006
Purnima’s concertina artist book ‘Goddesses’ delves into the theme of ‘Myths & Narrative’, with its intricate linocut printmaking techniques. This creation earned her the highly commended (alternative book) Art in the Library Award by the University of Melbourne, and was showcased in the group exhibition ‘[Un]bounded Artist’s Books’ at Baillieu Library.
JCAC Writing Competition Prize
Awarded by International House, University of Melbourne
2005
Winner of first prize in Short Fiction and second prize in Poetry.
Words of Appreciation
Let's Connect
Contact Purnima for more information about her creations, projects, workshop facilitation, bookings for talks & performances or for press, media inquiries and collaborations.