The depth of creative talent in all disciplines across the Surf Coast Shire has been highlighted through the Council's 2024 DEVELOP Artists and Creatives Grants.
Eight grants have been awarded in a diversity of fields including literature, music, aerial performance, playwriting, and visual arts.
The 2024 DEVELOP recipients are:
- Nicholas Dacomb, Winchelsea – Faces and Places – Playwriting Mentorship
- Jacinta Halloran, Fairhaven – to Present her Fourth Novel at NT Writers Festival, Darwin
- Gillian Hutchison, Anglesea – GROUNDED – development of long form articles for publication in GALAH and Surfing World
- Cara Johnson, Bambra – The Gift of Time – New Methodology and Exhibition development
- Minerva Lamorgese, Bellbrae – for purchase of an Aerial Performance Rig
- Jordan Prosser, Lorne – BLUE GIANT – Novel development
- Hugh Riddoch, Jan Juc – MAPPING UP – New Methodology and Exhibition development
- Jesse Williams and Jack Robbins, Anglesea - Girlatones / Forever Son - Video Vignettes.
Cr Gary Allen congratulated the successful applicants.
"The quality of applications in all creative disciplines was extremely high, with a weighted assessment score of 87 or above required to achieve funding," he said.
"Well done to the grant recipients who demonstrated a strong creative vision, and quality project planning and supporting documentation, all of which are vital when applying for grants."
Each applicant who made contact with Council in the lead-up to the grant was given detailed professional development in how to approach writing grant applications.
"We want to build their skills in applying for funding, not just for the Council's grants, but for funding opportunities at state and federal level too," Cr Allen said.
"Every one of our 2024 recipients has what it takes to really build their national and international profile – and the profile of the Surf Coast's creative sector along with it."
The eight recipients will work on their projects during 2024, with Minerva Lamorgese's aerial artistry to be on display at Ashmore Arts during the 2024 Surf Coast Arts Trail on 3 and 4 August.
Council received 13 applications and engaged with more than 30 potential applicants in the lead-up to the round.
