Career advancing opportunities will be offered to 17 artists and organisations through $1 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Visual Arts Commissioning Program.
The successful grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and will support ambitious and innovative artworks both in Sydney and in regional towns across the state.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will support the employment and development of new works by visual artists and groups based in NSW, and will enhance the state’s artistic offering and career opportunities.
“COVID-19 and extreme weather events have made being an artist incredibly challenging over the past few years. Not being able to express that passion has resulted in a heavy loss of exposure and income for professional visual artists,” Mr Franklin said.
“This innovative funding program has been introduced to address the challenges visual artists have endured. It will provide them with a platform to highlight their skills and creativity, which we are confident will entertain audiences across the state.
“From galleries in Goulburn to Bathurst and Wagga Wagga to Lismore, this funding will give locals and visitors more choices and opportunities to enjoy the best in visual arts that NSW has to offer.”
The Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga will use funding through the program to commission a significant new work from senior Waradgerie (Wiradjuri) contemporary artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey.
Museum Manager Luke Grealy said the gallery is committed to giving artists the opportunity to offer their perspective on the region’s history.
“Lorraine’s work will respond to the theme ‘Land and Custodianship in the time of Climate Change’ and will feature in our year-long programming focus on the environment,” Mr Grealy said.
“As we get closer to the opening of our redeveloped Museum here in Wagga Wagga, we are demonstrating our commitment to the regional creative industry and local professional arts practitioners.”
Carriageworks in Sydney is receiving funding to launch a solo exhibition by local artist Salote Tawale.
Carriageworks CEO Blair French said Ms Tawale’s project brings together unique paintings, sculpture, installation and video.
“This funding comes at a critical point in the development of Salote’s career, providing an opportunity to produce her most ambitious work to date and first major solo exhibition in Sydney,” Mr French said.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Salote to present this multifaceted and immersive work to diverse audiences.”
Applicants to the Visual Arts Commissioning Program were able to apply for funding to support the commissioning of new works by NSW visual artists.
The full list of the 2021/22 recipients is available here.
For further information on arts, screen, and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au
Credit: Lorraine Connelly Northey WWAG #2 from exhibition Measured Pressure 2018. Image courtesy the museum.
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