Show latest news, more from February 2007.
Australia Council Mentoring Program On Again
Young Australian artists looking to set fire to their career have until 6 April to apply for the Australia Council’s annual national mentoring program for 18-26 year-olds. An initiative of the Council’s Young and Emerging Artists fund, managed by Youth Arts Queensland (YAQ), SPARK “enables artists to make bold choices and take on greater career challenges with the support of a mentor,†says coordinatory, Bella Sipthorp. Providing support, training, advice and funding to around ten emerging artists each year, “the program can really accelerate a young artists’ career development, by exposing them to broad industry networks and giving a national profile to their work,†she said. While applicants are selected for their artistic vision, creative project outlines and potential to contribute to the Australian arts industry, another vital quality is old-fashioned grit. What set last year’s successful applicants - five theatre makers, three dancers, a curator, a visual artist and a physical performer - apart was their determination. “They are undoubtedly talented, but what make them so potent, so outstanding, is their intentâ€, she said. “They are capable of simultaneously having a mind for creativity and a mind for success. It is a rare quality in creative minds.†Rob Kelly, a 2006 SPARK mentor, agreed. “Success in this industry depends not only on having considerable talent, but also having the drive to go with it,†he said. For more information about SPARK 2007, CLICK HERE
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >