Students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie have teamed up with Yesterday’s Jam to raise funds for their graduating exhibition that will be held in early December.The final year students of the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Design and Visual Arts) and the local venue Yesterday’s Jam (formerly the Latin Loafer) will be hosting a night of live music featuring Genes on 26 September starting at 6.30pm. The local band, made up of two brothers, have been featured on Triple J Unearthed.For $10, people will get a night of great music all the while supporting students who will use the funds to cover the set-up costs and promotion of the exhibition.CSU lecturer in graphic design Willhemina Wahlin said the graduating exhibition was an important bridge for students between their university and professional lives.“I’m really excited about this year’s exhibition because the students will have such a broad range of works, from skate decks to textile designs,” she explained. “It showcases the diversity of the work being produced and gives the students an opportunity to talk about their individual journeys with the public and industry.”Funds raised on the night will help students pay for printing and other opening night costs, most of which they raise themselves. “We are excited to team up with Yesterday’s Jam, not only because it is a great local venue, but it also reflects the connection and collaborations that happen in the growing Port Macquarie arts and creative community,” Ms Wahlin said.CSU student Bek Dennis said the live music event and the graduating exhibition were an important way to connect to the community and the industry.“We’re really looking forward to exhibiting our work because it lets us celebrate what we have done with people in the industry as well as family and friends,” Ms Dennis said, adding these connections will open doors in the future.When asked about her future plans, Ms Dennis said she had already started building her branding portfolio as she had begun working with clients and also had ambition to create a magazine aimed at young people to share creativity.All tickets purchased will go in the draw for a double-pass to the 2018 Wildwood Festival.Yesterday’s Jam is at 74 Clarence St Port Macquarie.