Minister for Arts
Media Release CLP backs local artists with $280,000 funding boost
6 March 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing in the future of its creative sector, providing 16 talented artists and arts workers with funding to support their professional development.
As part of the 2024-25 NT Arts Grants Program, the government has allocated $150,000 for Creative Fellowships and Residencies grants and $130,000 for NXT Gen ARTS grants, ensuring emerging and established artists have the resources to grow their careers.
These initiatives are designed to nurture local talent, encourage artists to build their careers in the Territory, and contribute to the growth of the NT's arts, culture, and creative industries.
Minister for Arts Jinson Charls announced the funding alongside Darwin-based theatre practitioner Tania Lieman and young artist mentee Briony Festing at Darwin Community Arts.
Tania has received a Creative Fellowship to further her research into sensory-based, interactive visual theatre and puppetry, while mentoring Briony through her placement at Darwin Community Arts.
Minister for Arts, Jinson Charls said: "The Northern Territory is home to some truly incredible artists and arts workers. Their creativity and dedication help make our community vibrant, and we are proud to support their careers."
"By providing targeted funding, we are not only investing in individual artists but also strengthening our local arts sector and economy," said Mr Charls.
"Professional development opportunities and clear career pathways ensure that our homegrown talent knows they can build a fulfilling career in the Territory."
The creative arts sector plays a vital role in the Territory's economy, employing more than 2,800 people, supporting over 8,000 Aboriginal artists and arts workers, and contributing approximately $735 million annually.
2025 Creative Fellowships and Residencies Recipients
Six recipients have been awarded Creative Fellowships and Residencies grants to further their careers and develop professional networks across Theatre, Visual Arts, Crafts and Design, Dance, and Music:
· Alyson de Groot (Darwin, Fibre Art): Residency at the Museum of European Culture (MEK) in Berlin to expand her textile and fibre art practice, fostering international artistic exchange.
· Tania Lieman (Darwin, Theatre): Fellowship to research sensory-based, interactive visual theatre and puppetry in the NT and France, exploring innovative, immersive performance models.
· Natalie Jacobs (Emerging Conductor): Self-directed professional development program to refine conducting skills and enhance her leadership within the NT's music sector.
· Jasmine Story (Central Australia, Puppetry): Residency with Erth Visual and Physical Inc., expanding her puppetry skills through mentorship and professional development, contributing to a new full-length theatrical work.
· Jimmy Bamble (Darwin, 3D Design & Animatronics): Solo creative exploration into research, construction, and refinement of animatronic technologies.
· Joanna Noonan (Established Theatre Artist): Fellowship to deepen her artistic practice through professional development and the creation of new dance work.
2025 NXT Gen ARTS Grant Recipients
Ten early-career artists (aged 18-25) have been awarded funding to undertake work placements with arts organisations, helping to build their career pathways.
Since its launch in 2021, more than half of the placements have led to ongoing employment.
· Georgia Cruikshank: Mentorship with SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre, focusing on dance.
· Lara Penney: Three-month placement at Tactile Arts, developing skills in visual arts, craft, and design.
· Teegan Blitner: Fashion placement with Albertini, a wearable art fashion label featuring NT Aboriginal hand screen-printed artwork.
· Alexander Shaw & Clancy Clarke: AV production work placements with 8CCC AV Event Production.
· Briony Festing: Placement at Darwin Community Arts, developing skills in dance, puppetry, improvisation, sensory-based theatre, and character performance.
· Kezia Dilettoso: 2025 Darwin Fringe Festival Project Producer.
· Niesha Korman: Placement with Darwin Visual Arts.
· Grace Hendry: "Beyond the Spotlight: Building a Future in the NT Performing Arts" placement with SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre.
· Taneidi Schatz: Placement with Brown's Mart Arts.
