Ambition is a vital element in establishing a robust creative practice. However, to be ambitious and have the confidence to pursue pivotal works, emerging creatives often require access to considerable resourcing.

Acknowledging that creative ambition needs support, the Helpmann Academy, with generous funding from the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, is offering five Creative Investment Fellowships each valued at up to $10,000.

The fellowships fund eligible South Australian emerging creatives to chase opportunities of significance that will develop their artistic practice in meaningful and vital ways, to empower them to boldly take the next step in defining their burgeoning careers.

“We are proud to support the Helpmann Academy Creative Investment Fellowships, as we recognise the pivotal impact that significant funding can have early in a creative’s career,” says James & Diana Ramsay Foundation executive director Kerry de Lorme. “Ensuring that emerging creatives are supported to be ambitious cultivates a robust arts sector in South Australia for everyone to enjoy.”

Truc Truong (University of South Australia) was the recipient of a Creative Investment Fellowship in 2022, using the funds to undertake a mentorship with Phuong Ngo and develop an exhibition with Post Office Projects Gallery + Studios that explored themes relevant to the post-colonial second-generation Vietnamese-Australian diaspora and the tension of Buddhism, Vietnamese spirituality, and Christianity.

“The project has provided a transformative platform for self-discovery, pushing me to delve deeper into my artistic voice and embrace the unexpected,” says Truong, reflecting on the experience.

“Through the challenges and triumphs encountered, I have grown both personally and artistically, gaining a heightened sense of resilience, adaptability, and confidence in my abilities.”

An installation view of Truc Truong’s macro-stuffed-supper at Post Office Projects Gallery + Studios. Photo: Andre Castellucci

In 2021, emerging director and film producer Bryce Kraehenbuehl (Flinders University) pursued a mentorship with Richard Tuohy’s celluloid super 8 lab, Nanolab. Kraehenbuehl explored the world of analogue film, learning how to hand-develop Super 8 and 16mm film, and created several films and music videos utilising these skills.

“The Helpmann Creative Investment Fellowship has been one of the most beneficial programs I have ever taken part in,” he says. “The learning I have gained through my mentor Richard has allowed me to find more of a love in just creating and has also allowed me to set up a small celluloid film lab here in Adelaide, where I can support other filmmakers to use this medium.”

Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes (University of Adelaide) benefitted from a Creative Investment Fellowship in 2021, using the support to complete an album – including mastering audio, the commissioning of album artwork and the physical manufacture of 150 copies of their debut record. Alongside the creation of their first album, the band were able to hire industry professionals to consult on their career trajectory and support their album’s release.

“The Helpmann Academy’s support has been invaluable for us as early-career artists,” Curtis says. “We are so grateful for how our Creative Investment Fellowship has removed barriers and allowed us to turn our creative aspirations into reality.”

Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes. Photo supplied

The Helpmann Academy Creative Investment Fellowship applications are currently open for projects that take place in 2024. Applications can be made online here and close September 17, 2023. The fellowships are proudly supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation.

Henry Wolff is a visual artist and arts worker living and working on Kaurna Country.

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