The NSW Government is providing nearly $1 million in funding to support a suite of new fellowships, small project grants and professional development opportunities for artists.
The funding aims to boost local and international development opportunities and partnerships have been formed with leading cultural organisations including the Powerhouse Museum, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, to provide fellowship opportunities for musicians, actors, dancers and visual artists.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said: “With the help of some of our largest cultural organisations, we’re building on existing talent, teaming emerging creatives with peers and leaders and even finding new creative spaces to build the careers of NSW creatives who I’ve no doubt will go on to garner international acclaim.
” We have also made a commitment to ongoing Small Project Grants funding of between $500 and $5,000 for time-sensitive national and international opportunities that fall outside of scheduled funding rounds.
“This funding means that creatives don’t have to miss out on opportunities that don’t fit neatly into our timed funding rounds. Be it mentoring, residencies and exchanges, or touring new works – these grants ensure we have the agility to respond and support as many opportunities as possible,”
Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director for Sydney Dance Company said: “Sydney Dance Company is thrilled to partner with Create NSW to provide the invaluable opportunity for future artistic leaders. We are grateful for the support of Create NSW in helping to create pathways for the next generation of dance industry talent.”
Lee Lewis, Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre Company said: “Creating new opportunities for young artists to grow is an investment in the imagination capacity of the nation. This fellowship will support talented and driven artists who will go on to lead the country. Watch this space!”
Details of the fellowships are below:
Music Fellowship (Emerging) (valued at $100,000 including in-kind support)
• Partnership between Create NSW, the Powerhouse Museum and Australian music management and touring company Astral People
• $25,000 in financial support per artist/group (three supported in total)
• Access to Powerhouse Collection of musical/industry artefacts
• Studio space for six months at the Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo) or Museum Discovery Centre (Castle Hill)
• Music industry mentoring and networking from Astral People.
Theatre Fellowship (Emerging) (valued at $50,000 including in-kind support)
• Partnership between Create NSW and Griffin Theatre Company
• Four emerging practitioners will undertake three-month projects with input and support from Griffin Theatre Company artistic staff
• One final recipient will undertake a program of professional development in Australia or overseas
• $30,000 in financial support from Create NSW towards their program.
Dance Fellowship (Mid-career) (valued at $50,000 including in-kind support)
• Partnership between Create NSW and Sydney Dance Company
• Open to choreographers, dancers, composers or designers
• Geared towards developing future artistic directors – involves engagement with the Sydney Dance Company over a 12-18 month period
• $30,000 in financial support from Create NSW towards their program.
Visual Arts Fellowship (Established) (valued at $50,000)
• Partnership between Create NSW and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
• $30,000 in financial support from Create NSW for a mid-career or established visual artist to undertake a self-directed professional development program or significant opportunity
• Additional project or acquisition commission from the MCA up to the value of $20,000.