PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Arts North West provides professional development workshops as well as individual advice to arts workers, creatives, councils, businesses and arts and cultural organisations in our region. We can:

• Review funding applications

• Suggest funding sources and opportunities

• Auspice grants

• Provide tips on project management, planning, budgets, partners

• Assist with logistics planning – insurance, branding, business plans

• Advise on promotion and marketing

• Art handling and installation

For more information contact Executive Director Lauren Mackley.

National Regional Arts Fellowships

THE NATIONAL REGIONAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE PRACTICE

**OPENING JANUARY, 2025**
Expressions of Interest for the 2025 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program will be opening on 20 January 2025. Guidelines, FAQ’s and application forms will be available online from 9am, 20 January 2025.

Key Dates
Expressions of Interest open: 20 January 2025, 9am AEDT
Expressions of Interest close: 23 February 2025, 11:59pm AEDT

About this Opportunity
Two streams of fellowships will be available, with a total funding pool of $120,000.

1. Creative & Professional Development
Funding per recipient: $20,000
Total fellowships available: 5

The Creative & Professional Development Fellowship provides $20,000 to regional artists and arts workers to support creative practice or professional development, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Creative & Professional Development Fellowship will be awarded to an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander applicant, and at least one will be awarded to a d/Deaf applicant and/or an applicant with lived experience of disability.

2. Early Career Development
Funding per recipient: $10,000
Total fellowships available: 2

The Early Career Development Fellowship provides $10,000 to regional artists and arts workers who are in the early stages of their practice or career and have had less access to funding opportunities. It supports the development of creative practice or professional development opportunities, with a focus on sustainability. At least one Early Career Development Fellowship will be awarded to an applicant who is under 25 years of age.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL REGIONAL ARTS FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM

The program is contemporary, flexible and relevant to artists practicing, working and living in regional, rural and remote Australia. It is designed as an applicant-led approach, addressing the needs of the individual in that time and place; offering a guaranteed income (for a short period) for an artist/ practitioner to develop their work, skills and networks or research.

The fellowships value best practice, build connection, generate exchange and strengthen that national network of regional artists and communities.

The Marten Bequest Scholarships

Support for talented young artists to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through interstate and international travel.

About The Marten Bequest

The Marten Bequest Scholarships offer talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either interstate and/or overseas

In 2025, the scholarships will provide financial support for the disciplines of architecture, ballet, prose, sculpture and singing.

In 2026, the scholarships will provide financial support for the disciplines of acting, instrumental music, painting and poetry.

Scholarships are each worth $50,000, payable in quarterly instalments over two years.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 4 February 2025, 3pm AEDT (2.30pm ACDT; 2pm AEST; 1.30pm ACST; 12pm AWST)

Please note: Perpetual will only accept a limited number of scholarship proposals annually. Once this limit is met, no further proposals can be submitted.

Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2025.

Kathleen Mitchell Literary Award

About this Award

The Kathleen Mitchell Award is presented biennially to the author, aged 30 or under, of an outstanding novel or novella to encourage advancement in their literary career. The novel or novella must have been published or accepted for publication within the 2 years prior to the Award closing date. This can be demonstrated by the providing an ISBN or letter of confirmation from the publisher as part of your entry.

The recipient will receive $15,000.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 4 February 2025, 3pm AEDT (2.30pm ACDT; 2pm AEST; 1.30pm ACST; 12pm AWST)

Please note: Perpetual will only accept a limited number of scholarship proposals annually. Once this limit is met, no further proposals can be submitted.

Amount:
$15,000

Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2025.

Dal Stivens Literary Award

The Dal Stivens Award is presented biennially to an author, aged 30 or under, for a short story or essay of the highest literary merit.

About this Award

The Dal Stivens Award is presented biennially to an author, aged 30 or under, for a short story or essay of the highest literary merit. Your short story or essay must have been published or accepted for publication within the 12 months prior to the Award closing date, with proof of publication supplied in your support material.

Self-published works will not be accepted.

The recipient will receive $15,000. You may submit up to two entries.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 4 February 2025, 3pm AEDT (2.30pm ACDT; 2pm AEST; 1.30pm ACST; 12pm AWST)

Please note: Perpetual will only accept a limited number of scholarship proposals annually. Once this limit is met, no further proposals can be submitted.

Amount:
$15,000

Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2025.

Prime Minister’s Literary Awards 2025

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards is the richest literary prize in the nation, with six categories: fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s literature, poetry and Australian history.

About the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, established in 2008, recognise individual excellence and the contribution Australian authors make to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life. Initially with two categories of non-fiction and fiction, in 2010 the young adult and children’s literature categories were introduced, with the addition of the Poetry category in 2012 and the incorporation of the pre-existing  Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History. 

This is the third year that the awards have been delivered by Creative Australia, following the release of the Australian Government’s 2023 National Cultural Policy,  Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.  

This annual Award accepts books published in the previous calendar year. Entries are sought for books of high literary merit, and in the case of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, outstanding works of scholarly accomplishment that contribute significantly to an understanding of Australian history. 

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards are the richest literary prize in the nation, with a tax-free prize pool of $600,000 in recognition of the outstanding literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians.  

Awards are presented in six categories: fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s literature, poetry and Australian history. Up to $100,000 will be awarded in each category—$80,000 for the winning entry and $5,000 each for a maximum of four shortlisted entries. All prizes are tax-free.  

Works may be entered by publishers, literary agents, authors, or, in the case of the Australian History category only, producers or broadcasters. The person submitting the entry must ensure that the author or producer’s consent is obtained before entering the work.  

There is no entry fee for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.  

⭐ Free Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Workers

Elevate Your Creative Practice with Expert Guidance

Are you an Aboriginal Artist or Arts Worker from Regional NSW looking to elevate your practice? Thanks to the support of Create NSW, Outback Arts and Mara Mara we are excited to offer 20 FREE mentoring sessions with Lorrayne Fishenden, valued at $140 each. This unique opportunity is part of the Dhurrali Project, dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal creatives.

About the Mentoring Sessions

These sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow and succeed in your creative endeavors. Each participant can benefit from up to three sessions, ensuring a tailored and impactful experience.

Meet Your Mentor: Lorrayne Fishenden

Lorrayne Fishenden is a well known leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development, Aboriginal arts advocacy, and business management. Lorrayne has been a pivotal advocate for Aboriginal artists and communities across regional NSW. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural development make her an inspiring mentor for this program.

What's Included

Each free mentoring session includes:

• Personalised guidance and support from Lorrayne Fishenden

• Insights into the Aboriginal arts landscape

• Strategies for growth and recognition in your field

• Expert advice on sustainable business practices

How to Book

Use this link https://LorrayneFishenden2Rivers.as.me/?appointmentType=65864844 to schedule a time. Don’t forget to fill in the quick questionnaire that will help Lorrayne prepare for your meeting. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to take your art to new heights!

Important Information

• Each session is valued at $140

• Up to 3 sessions per participant

• Limited to 20 sessions total

Join us in this exciting initiative to celebrate Aboriginal voices, cultivate creativity, and build a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing their stories with the world.

Apply now and embark on a transformative creative journey!

⭐ Business Connect – Free business support for Creative Industries

Did you know Service NSW Business Connect offers free, independent, tailored business advice for NSW businesses (including sole traders with an ABN)? Business Connect advisors, including specialist creative experts can provide you up to 8 hours of free, tailored business advice in one-on-one sessions more.

Current Creative opportunities

⭐ 2025 Sculpture Acquisition Prize - Ceramic break sculpture park

An acquisition prize of $12,000.00

The winning sculpture will form part of the permanent display at Ceramic Break Sculpture Park. The Park offers guests an art experience with a difference in rural NSW. The goal of the contest is to diversify the park’s collection.

Apply now >>>

⭐ Screen NSW - Charlie’s Working Space, LA!

Screen NSW, in partnership with Australians in Film (AiF), offers NSW screen practitioners the opportunity to secure access to a dedicated co-working space at Charlie's in Los Angeles. The one free creative workspace is available for NSW based screen practitioners visiting LA to conduct business, collaborate, and network.

Successful applicants to Charlie’s will receive access to:

• One desk and a writers' room with whiteboards and screens

• Wi-Fi

• An equipped kitchen

• AiF staff.

Charlie’s is located in the Writer’s Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

⭐ Screen Australia – Industry Partnerships

This program aims to create opportunities through new, original and inclusive approaches to the industry that will expand networks and grow the Australian industry. Screen Australia will consider funding a portion of a total activity budget up to a cap of $30,000 per activity/activities conducted by an organization over the financial year. 

⭐ Screen Australia – International Marketing Support: Festivals and Awards

This program aims to support the promotion of Australian content and talent at the key international festivals and awards events, enabling the enhancement of international marketing strategies in conjunction with other partners. Screen Australia will contribute to the promotional budget for eligible events generally up to $20,000 for feature films and television series and $10,000 for short films. The level of funding will be determined by a film’s individual international marketing strategy as evidenced by a comprehensive plan and budget, produced by either the sales agent or producer. Festival screenings must be the title’s world or international premiere.

⭐ Screen Australia – Distribution Support: P&A Plus

This program aims to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms. Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances

⭐ Screen Australia – First Nations Program: Sector Development (Internships)

This program aims to assist the career development of talented screen content makers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme. An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series

Current ARTS Employment & Voluteering Opportunities