Leading South Coast dance artist Lisa Maris McDonell is the latest recipient of the Beyond the Studio: Early to Mid-Career Dance Fellowship at Sydney Dance Company.
Presented by the NSW Government through Create NSW with Sydney Dance Company, the prestigious $30,000 Fellowship supports a choreographer, dancer, producer, composer or designer to pursue an intense period of engagement with the eminent performing arts company over 12 to 18 months.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for a NSW practitioner to pursue their work and hone their leadership skills in an inspiring, collaborative and supportive environment.
"By nurturing the next generation of creative leaders, we are ensuring the future of our state's strong and vibrant arts and culture sector. I have no doubt that Lisa's creative ambitions will reach new heights as a result of this Fellowship," Mr Franklin said.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said she was proud to see local talent recognised.
"Lisa has achieved considerable recognition within Australia for her dynamic and provocative performance works. I look forward to seeing what she achieves while drawing on the world-class resources of Sydney Dance Company," Mrs Hancock said.
Sydney Dance Company's Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela said she is excited for Ms McDonell and the opportunities the Company will offer her.
"Nurturing emerging choreographers and creative artists is such an important part of Sydney Dance Company's activities and it is even more important that we can offer Lisa the opportunity to develop her leadership skills," Mr Bonachela said.
Ms Maris McDonell said she was excited and grateful for the opportunity.
"Dance practice in regional areas is thriving, and I am really thrilled for what this opportunity means for our little corner of NSW," Ms McDonell said.
"There are few opportunities for dance artists to gain the hands-on knowledge an organisation like Sydney Dance Company possesses when it comes to leading and delivering dance projects. This very meaningful support will assist me not only financially, but also practically."
The Beyond the Studio: Early to Mid-Career Dance Fellowship is part of a suite of Creative Leadership opportunities offered by Create NSW. More information can be found on the Create NSW website.
