Emerging artists take grants home

THIS year, Ballarat Arts Foundation announced twelve artists as recipients grants to support them to produce new works, develop skills, or purchase equipment.

Artist Kirrily Urquhart received the Federation University Award for Creative Community Impact which she said will enable her to purchase equipment to capture imagery of the Ballarat region and produce digital textile designs.

“I have been designing some collages and textile designs that incorporates textures and foliage and the lace work from around

the city, this grant is going to help me to launch this concept,” she said.

“We have so many talented people here and we all play a part in this community.

“It’s important we recognise all the various talents the city has to offer.”

Some of Ballarat’s emerging visual artists also took home awards including; Paige Duggan who received the Di Bresciani Drawing and Painting Award, ceramicist Lizzie Tongway received the Rotary Club of Ballarat South Award and Jade Walsh was awarded the Norman Hofmaier Award for Contemporary Art.

Music related funding recipients include; Abby Ashmore, Matthew McEgan, Joshua Knight and Fletcher Wragg of the band, Grove, awarded the Nicholson Award to produce a vinyl EP, Lucan Buckley will develop his trombone skills through the Louis Stevens Award for Musicianship and Akasha Temple Matthews received the Isobella Foundation Award to produce her first album.

Performing and written arts grants were also supplied, with recipients including; actor Sam Dolan who received a BAF Award, Tom Jenkins was awarded the BLOC and Lyric Theatre Award for Performing Arts, Lily Minchenko received the VJ Award for Overseas Study to complete her final year of ballet study in Stuttgart, Germany, Sarah Morrison will use the Will Coltman Award for Writing to develop her script-writing and Megan Riedl will use the Jack Anderson Award for Film to produce a poetry video.

BAF chair Paula Nicholson said she hopes this support will enable the artists will continue the journey towards their creative potential.

“We are thrilled to welcome these artists to the BAF family, which now numbers almost 350 alumni and a vast network of industry, business and community supporters.”