Federal cash for artist residencies

TEN artists will be fully subsidised to take up residencies at the La Trobe Art Institute in Bendigo this year through a grant from Creative Australia.

The $59,232 grant, announced by Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, will pay for residencies supporting artists working regionally and internationally, with a renewed focus on global Indigenous artists.

La Trobe plans to use its purpose-built facilities including an apartment, studio and auditorium in the program, as well as existing relationships with those with creative, cultural and academic knowledge.

“Creative Australia was provided with additional funding through the Federal Labor Government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive,” Ms Chesters said.

“As a result, it has been able to support significantly more creative projects than was previously possible.

“Our Government’s five-year plan to revive the arts in Australia is allowing more arts organisations to receive funding and more artists to tell their stories.”

La Trobe Bendigo head of campus Margaret O’Rourke said the university was delighted to have received the funding, which recognised the institution’s continuing contribution to Bendigo’s arts community.

“This Federal support will drive La Trobe’s innovation and collaboration, further solidifying the city’s position as a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural growth,” she said.

Art institute director Dr Karen Annett said the funding would allow the facility to deliver its most ambitious residency program to date.

“Guided by Djaara seasons, our residencies are grounded in place and focused on building connections,” Dr Annett said.

“By walking beside our resident artists, we see our place anew, alternative approaches are uncovered, and new ideas are seeded for artists and institution alike.”

Ms Chesters said the program is one of 246 projects to be funded through Creative Australia’s Art Projects funding stream, which has allocated $12 million to various artforms.

Funding decisions were made through Creative Australia’s independent peer assessment process, at arm’s length from government.