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Paintings from the 2007
auction
by Lorna Crane & Mandy
Martin |
For those of you who are
not familiar with Living Artist this interesting brief history tells
the tale.
The Far South Coast Living Artist Projects Inc. (Living Artist)
objective is to provide opportunities for Far South Coast visual
artists to develop excellence in their practices by providing
mentorship, education, financial and marketing support in a bid to
retain them in the region. Living Artist does this in partnership
with local communities as part of a broader goal to raise the
regional profile of Art and Artists on the Far South Coast. The
biennial scholarship allocation may vary with each award but is
approximately $35,000. All funds are raised by the committee or
generously donated by patrons.
Living Artist evolved from several discussions between a group of
friends with a common interest or involvement in visual arts. They
observed that although there are a number of artists of
international repute living and working in the area, there are also
many who struggle to find the time for concentrated professional
development. Often artists with potential to become outstanding in
their field, reach a critical point where, if assisted and
encouraged, are eventually able to support themselves through their
art practice.
Living Artist is supported by the Australia Cultural Fund of the
Australian Business Arts Foundation (allowing tax deductibility for
donations) and endorsed by the South East Arts Region (SEAR) and the
Bega Valley Shire Council and is a community partner of the
Four
Winds Festival and
Sculpture on the Edge.
The introduction of the Living Artist Scholarship coupled with the
well known, prestigious Shirley Hannan Portraiture Prize, now sees
the Bega Valley hosting two of Australia’s top Art awards. These
events take the Far South Coast one step closer to consolidating the
regional “Arts Trail” which is an important Visitor draw card and
economic contributor to the Bega Valley Shire. In the words of Dr.
Peter Brain, Executive Director, “National Economics”, “Research has
shown that those regional centres that support diversity and
cultural richness are the most socially viable and economically
successful.”
If you would like to
donate to this project please download an ABAF
donation
form or
contact us
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