Supporting Young Regional Artists to achieve the Next Level
Regional Arts WA
Five young regional artists and arts workers across Western Australia will each receive up to $7,500 to develop their careers through a Regional Arts WA’s Next Level Regional Grant, presented by Healthway Drug Aware and supported by the State Government’s Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP).
Over the next 12 months, the five recipients will be supported to undertake a period of creative and professional development aimed at taking their arts careers to the Next Level.
Daisy Girl performing at Ludic Events mini fest organised by grant recipient Niamh Hurley in January 2021. Photo by Lewis Williamson.
These emerging players in the WA regional arts scene are Kimberley based filmmaker and artist Brooke Collard (25), South West based musician Codee-Lee Down (26), Goldfields-Esperance based sound and lighting technician Megan Lemon (24), Peel based arts worker and events manager Niamh Hurley (21), and Pilbara based visual artist and curator Rose Barton (25).
- Brooke Collard will collaborate with respected Noongar Elder Pop Koordah, in the development of a documentary which will contribute to an enhanced understanding of her own Noongar heritage and support her practice as a writer and producer to tell compelling and authentic stories from a First Nation’s perspective.
- Codee-Lee Down will co-write two songs with US singer songwriter Katrina Burgoyne and work with a range of established WA based music professionals to build her capacity and skills in commercial and creative practice and will result in the launch of an EP. She will also undertake online training in digital media content development and distribution which will assist to raise her online profile.
- Megan Lemon will be mentored by Esperance based theatre technician Timothy Currie to build capacity, skills and knowledge in the operation of sound and lighting equipment to support performing arts presentation in a variety of multi-use venues and regional locations. She will also attend the 2022 Tech West conference to build networks within the WA tech sector.
- Niamh Hurley will develop and implement a music development program for young musicians and artists, building on her recent success in establishing new live music events in the Peel region. This grant will support her to establish herself as a young leader, build networks within the broader sector, and strengthen her knowledge and capacity to design and implement effective cultural development projects.
- Rose Barton will dedicate herself to expanding her practice into digital, sculptural and written forms through several mentorships with skilled regional artists and creatives, aiming to raise her online profile and create a body of work for her first solo exhibition scheduled for presentation at the Cossack Gallery, Pilbara.
Regional Arts WA CEO Paul MacPhail says ongoing support for young and emerging artists and arts workers is pivotal in creating long-term arts and culture careers in the regions.
“We are very excited to announce the five successful recipients of the Next Level Regional Grants. The grants will enable the recipients to develop their arts practice and build their networks in a way that suits their individual needs as an artist or arts worker.
“The continued investment in young people is vital for the future of the regional arts sector. We know long-term arts and culture careers takes commitment, passion and drive from individuals and grants, like Next Level Regional, will provide a springboard for these emerging artists and arts workers to jumpstart their careers in WA.”
Regional Arts WA Next Level Regional Grants are presented by Healthway; promoting the Drug Aware message and are supported by the RACIP, which is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
For more regional funding opportunities, head to our website: www.regionalartswa.org.au/funding
