From the raw and sacred clan designs of north-east Arnhem Land to the innovative landscape of contemporary theatre practice in Perth, the 2012 Sidney Myer Creative Fellows represent some of the most exciting and diverse artistic practice in the country.
The twelve artists were selected from over 300 nominations with regard to two criteria, outstanding talent and exceptional courage. The 2012 Fellows include representatives from the performing arts, visual arts and the sphere of thought leadership. Each of the twelve Fellows receives grants of $80,000 per year for two years, a total of $160,000.
The Sidney Myer Fund has a long history of providing support to the arts. Starting in Sidney Myer’s own lifetime, the tradition of giving continues with these exciting new Fellowships.
“Sidney Myer was a passionate supporter of the arts as well as a great philanthropist, and was actively engaged in his community. The Fellowships support his belief that the arts are inseparable from everyday life, and that a rich society is one that expresses great creative spirit,” said Carrillo Gantner, Chairman of Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund.
“The Fellowships will support artists, arts managers and thought leaders at a critical stage in their career. We hope it will inspire them to great things as their career develops.”
The selection panel members for the 2012 Fellows were Neil Armfield (former Artistic Director, Belvoir St Theatre), Helen Carroll (Curator, Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art), Colin Cornish (CEO, Australian Youth Orchestra), Annette Downs (Producer, Tasmania Performs), John Oster (CEO, Indigenous Art Code), Julianne Schultz (Founding Editor, Griffith Review), Sue Nattrass (representing the Arts and Humanities Committee of the Sidney Myer Fund) and Carrillo Gantner (representing Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund).
More information on the Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation - www.myerfoundation.org.au.
MEDIA: For interviews and more information please contact Debra Morgan, 03 8672 5551, 0410 592 129 or debra@myerfoundation.org.au
Gunybi Ganambarr NT
Didjeridu player and visual artist Ganambarr was born in north east Arnhem Land. His practice has developed from works on bark to use of found objects to create both traditional and innovative sculptural forms.