Arts Minister Virginia Judge is urging NSW based indigenous artists to apply for the 2010 Indigenous Arts Fellowship.

Ms Judge said the $15,000 award aims to assist an indigenous artist to further develop their career.

As part of the application process, artists are required to outline a proposed project to be carried out during the fellowship, Ms Judge said.

It can include further study or training, professional research or the undertaking of a particular arts project.

Applicants must demonstrate how their project will contribute to NSW Aboriginal arts practice by reflecting standards of excellence.

They’re also required to define how their work will benefit NSW through the promotion of the local Aboriginal arts and cultural sector.

The fellowship grant will supplement the successful applicant’s income during work on his or her nominated project and assist with the cost of necessary research and travel.

This biennial fellowship is a fantastic opportunity and may be undertaken in Australia or overseas.

I am delighted the Keneally Government is helping foster Indigenous art in NSW through this very worthy program.

I wish all applicants for this year’s fellowship the best of luck.

The successful applicant will be required to start work on the nominated research project within 12 months of the presentation of the fellowship.

The NSW Indigenous Arts Fellowship was established in 1996 by the NSW Government in partnership with Sydney City Council. Applications close on 28 June 2010.

Guidelines and application forms are available on Arts NSW website:
http://www.arts.nsw.gov.au/FundingOpportunities/FellowshipsandScholarships

Five fast facts:

  • The $15,000 NSW Indigenous Art Fellowship has been awarded seven times since 1996;
  • Artist Jingalu Melissa Craig was the inaugural winner of fellowship for the compilation, illustration and publishing of a book of family stories and dreamtime tales of the Bandjalung and Yeagle Tribes of the Clarence River in Northern NSW;
  • The Indigenous Art Fellowship can be undertaken in Australia or overseas;
  • Applicants must outline how their nominated project will benefit the Indigenous art and cultural sector; and
  • The fellowship is jointly funded by Arts NSW and the City of Sydney.