Dozens of young creative people starting out in all art forms have already completed significant professional development here and overseas, thanks to a NSW Government commitment of $1 million over four years – offering a total of 100 scholarships. 

Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the Young Regional Artist Scholarships (YRAS) help early career artists onto a path to success by connecting them with renowned arts organisations and world-class training opportunities.

“This program gives regional NSW artists and arts and cultural workers aged between 18-25 years the opportunity to pursue a self-directed professional development program and meet leaders in their art form,” Mr Grant said.

“I designed this scholarship program to cover all art forms to help young regional artists develop their careers through skill development opportunities such as workshops and residencies.

“I have been blown away by the achievements of the YRAS Alumni to date and I look forward to further talent being uncovered through this NSW Government program.”

Scholarship recipients are also offered a two-day Arts NSW professional development workshop connecting them to key people and organisations in the arts and screen sectors. 

Leading regional visual artist Ben Quilty, who attended the last YRAS workshop hosted by Minister Grant, said the key lesson is to conquer the self-doubt that people don’t want to hear your stories.

“As young people, you are at the coalface of contemporary culture and media, and the stories you have in regional NSW are just as important as the stories of any other single young person across the planet,” he said. 

Round Two of the NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarships for 2016-17 is open until Monday, 20 February 2017.

For more on the application process, assessment and eligibility criteria, go to www.arts.nsw.gov.au or email arts.funding@arts.nsw.gov.au