First Nations Emerging Career Development Award

Deadline: 9-Nov-20

The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award is open to Australian First Nations artists between 18-30 years old, living in Australia or overseas to pursue their professional development.

This unique opportunity is available to artists and arts workers in all disciplines including dance, literature, poetry, visual arts, theatre, community arts and music. The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award 2020 is the result of Australia Council’s Workplace Giving scheme 2019-2020. Through the generous contributions from our staff and board, $20,000 has been raised to help further the career of two (2) emerging First Nations artists or arts workers.

The successful applicant’s will be announced at an event hosted by the CEO and the Workplace Giving staff contributors. The successful applicants are invited to attend the morning tea (or submit a video message) and will be acknowledged at the First Nations Arts Awards which will be held in May 2021.

The Council’s Workplace Giving Program is one way to extend the support of Australian art and artists in a personal way. The program was introduced in 2018 and in its first year enabled them to support a second Red Ochre award, ensuring that a male and female recipient were honoured. All workplace donations are held in the Australia Council Donations Fund, separate to operational accounts and this fund is managed by the Australia Council as a deductible gift recipient. Workplace givers may choose any amount to donate, as little as $5 per fortnight, directly from your pre-tax salary.

The First Nations Emerging Career Development Award can be used for Career development which may include:

study/course expenses;
masterclass/workshops;
travel and accommodation;
materials;
living expenses;
conference attendance.

Funding Information

Amount: 2 Awards at $10,000 each.

Eligibility Criteria

career development activity to be undertaken within 12 months;
open to Australian First Nations’ artists living here or overseas;
age range 18-30;
disciplines include dance, literature, poetry, visual arts, theatre, community arts, music and art workers.

Assessment Criteria

Under each criterion are bullet points indicating what the First Nations Arts Strategy Panel members may consider when assessing your application. You do not need to respond to every bullet point listed.

Potential of the artist/artworker
The Panel will assess the potential of the artist/arts worker at the centre of the proposal. They may consider:

- artistic merit of proposed project;
- quality of work previously produced;
- public or peer response to work previously produced;
- demonstrated ability, skills and creative thinking.
Viability
The Panel will assess the viability of the proposal. They may consider:

- skills and artistic ability of the people involved, and their relevance to the proposed activity;
- effective use of resources, with realistic and achievable planning;
- level of confirmation of proposed activities and partners;
- adherence to relevant cultural protocols;
- evidence of considered consultation and engagement with participants, audiences and communities.
Impact on career
The Panel will assess the impact that the proposed activity will have on your career. They may consider:

- capacity to strengthen skills and abilities of artists/arts professionals;
- potential to discover and develop new markets, or meet existing market demand
  relevance and timeliness of activity.

For more information, visit https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/funding/funding-index/first-nations-emerging-career-development-award/