Country Arts SA recognises that we are living and creating on First Nations Lands and we are committed to working together to honour their living cultures.
Image: Alice Desert Festival 2013, Alice Springs. Photographed by: Steven PearceArtists and Artworkers living and working in regional Australia now have a new opportunity to develop their practice thanks to the launch of a dedicated Regional Arts Development Fellowships program.
The Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Senator George Brandis SC, has announced five fellowships totalling $125,000 that provide new professional development opportunities for regionally based art makers and other arts professionals.
The five fellowships are open to artists working in any art form or practice and provide opportunities for Indigenous artists, young and emerging artists, as well as new international and institutional partnership opportunities.
President of Regional Arts Australia, Ms Kate Fielding, is delighted that Regional Arts Australia will be offering these fellowships on behalf of the Australian Government for the first time in 2015.
“These fellowships recognise the importance of regional arts practices. They reflect RAA’s view that artists living and working beyond the capital cities should have access to equal professional development opportunities that enhance their valuable contributions to Australia’s cultural life.”
“RAA is pleased that the fellowships program targets professional development for regional artists that have made significant contributions in their communities. Such professional recognition of regional practice can only lift awareness of the quality and diversity of regional arts” Said Ms Fielding.
Two of the fellowships target Indigenous Artists both for Individual artists and artists seeking to collaborate with an institutional partner such as a gallery, theatre company or university. RAA is also offering a fellowship for a young artist to progress their practice in recognition of the strong work of emerging artists. The final two fellowship opportunities support a regional artist to engage with a leading cultural institution and an international project partnership.
“The introduction of these five fellowships builds on the existing long term achievements of Regional Arts Australia through its member organisations. Importantly, they provide career development opportunities that will ultimately lift the profile and capability of regional artists” added Ms Fielding.
Applications for the fellowships close midnight 17 April 2015 for activities commencing on or after I July 2015. Application packs and further information are available at Regional Arts Australia www.regionalarts.com.au and by email to: [email protected].
Country Arts SA recognises that we are living and creating on First Nations Lands and we are committed to working together to honour their living cultures.