Fellowship of the arts

Fellowship of the arts

The NSW government has invited local visual artists to apply for a $30,000 grant aimed at facilitating professional development and community support as part of a 2014 fellowship from Arts NSW.

Applicants in the first eight years of their professional practice can apply for the grant, which will support a self-directed program covering overseas travel, internships, workshops and research.

A shortlist of up to 12 artists will be selected to participate in an exhibition at Artspace Visual Arts Centre in Woolloomooloo.

Gabrielle Upton, MP for Vaucluse and Minister for Sports and Recreation, said the initiative was an excellent opportunity for local artists.

“The NSW Government is offering this fellowship as part of its commitment to supporting the professional development of artists in the community,” she said.

Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith said it will allow local emerging visual artists to gain recognition for their work.

“[They will] exhibit in an internationally recognised arts centre, and receive support for their professional development,” he told the Bondi View.

Last year’s fellowship winner, sculptor Jamie North, travelled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to undertake a residency with new materials and technology. As part of his fellowship grant, North worked with the Calgon Carbon Company and Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens to investigate “human-impacted landscapes” in America through the mediums of sculpture and photography.

Sydney based painter Sinead McLaughlin praised the initiative for its attempt to retain and nurture emerging Australian artists.

“I think the fellowship is a terrific idea, there is so much talent out there and unfortunately it’s hard to maintain and extend that talent without the proper means to do so,” she said.

“The fellowship means artists can have the option to travel and utilise their skills. Without [this] opportunity, the raw talent that exists in Australia would really go to waste.”

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