Since 2017, the Helpmann Academy, with generous support from the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, has provided fellowships to more than 32 emerging South Australian creatives.
These fellowships have provided not only the financial support for artists early in their careers to be ambitious, but have proven to be profoundly transformative experiences that have shaped the careers of many emerging creatives.
Central to the success of these tailored professional development projects is the steadfast support from the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, whose commitment to empowering emerging creatives has enabled countless artists to realise their potential and make significant contributions to the arts landscape.
“As a philanthropic funder, the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation believes in the transformative power of the arts to help shape lives and communities,” says Kerry de Lorme, the foundation’s executive director.
“The professional development opportunities that the fellowship programs offer are integral to this vision and the future of the arts in our state. The success stories of fellowship recipients powerfully demonstrate the profound impact of philanthropy. Whether it be nurturing emerging artists, empowering future leaders or investing in our young people, these stories highlight the far-reaching impact that private support can achieve in any sector.”
The evolution of Helpmann Academy’s Fellowship Program
Founded on the principle of offering emerging South Australian talent support to pursue significant self-defined professional development projects, the Helpmann Fellowships were initially launched as part of a special ceremony at Government House in April 2017. Three inaugural fellowships were awarded to Zoe Woods (visual arts graduate from the University of South Australia), Olivia Dryden (visual arts graduate from Adelaide College of the Arts, TAFE SA/Flinders University), and Stephanie Jaclyn (film graduate from Flinders University).
Inaugural Helpmann Fellowship recipients Zoe Woods, Olivia Dryden and Stephanie Jaclyn with then Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le AC. Photo: Helpmann Academy
In 2019, alongside the continued presentation of the Helpmann Fellowships, with additional support from the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, the organisation offered the Helpmann Academy Emerging Director Fellowship with State Theatre Company and State Opera South Australia. This unique opportunity, presented to emerging director and actor Clara Solly-Slade (TAFE SA/Flinders University graduate), allowed for hands-on experience and observational learning throughout the rehearsal and performance stages of a range of different productions with State Theatre and State Opera.
Clara Solly-Slade at a rehearsal for State Theatre’s A View from the Bridge. Photo: Mike Smith
After four years of the Helpmann Fellowships, in response to the changing needs from emerging creatives, the program was transformed into the Helpmann Academy Creative Investment Fellowships. The fellowship program was re-designed to benefit a greater range of creatives to pursue significant opportunities. The Creative Investment Fellowships transformed the program, allowing five emerging creatives to pursue career expanding opportunities each year.
Presentation of the Helpmann Academy Creative Investment Fellowships to Tim Carlier, Lucy Haas-Hennessy and Natalia Sledz, pictured with Helpmann Academy CEO Jane MacFarlane and James & Diana Ramsay Foundation executive director Kerry de Lorme. Photo: Hayley Jessup
While the fellowships provided by the Helpmann Academy have evolved across the years to meet the differing needs of emerging creatives, they have offered critical support to local creatives including: Zoe Woods (University of South Australia), Stephanie Jaclyn (Flinders University), Olivia Dryden (TAFE SA/Flinders University), Angus Mason (University of Adelaide), Nicholas Pennington (University of Adelaide), Marissa Ziesing (University of South Australia), Tim Carlier (Flinders University), Lucy Haas-Hennessy (TAFE SA/Flinders University), Natalia Sledz (TAFE SA/Flinders University), Anastasia Comelli (Flinders University), Alexis Luke (Flinders University), Clara Solly-Slade (TAFE SA/Flinders University), Sam Gold (University of South Australia), Tamara Hardman (Flinders University), Jonathan Kim (University of South Australia), James Watson, Mary Angley, Reggie Parker & Lachie Campbell (Flinders University, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia), Kira Yang (University of Adelaide), Lily Drummond (Flinders University), Bryce Kraehenbuehl (Flinders University), Amelie Peters (University of Adelaide), Mark Curtis (University of Adelaide), Amelia Watson (Flinders University), Connor Fogarty (University of Adelaide), Fraser Whitehead (Flinders University), Kathryn Adams and Alexis Luke (Flinders University), Amber Cronin (University of South Australia), Brittany Gallasch (Flinders University), Gianluca Noble (Flinders University), Sam Wilson (University of Adelaide), and Virginia Blackwell (Flinders University).
The impact
That all the creatives who have undertaken a fellowship with the Helpmann Academy continue to practice in creative fields is testament to the value of professional development opportunities of this nature. However, to truly grasp the enduring impact of the Helpmann Academy fellowships, creatives from across the years have shared insights into how their projects and experiences have impacted them.
When asked how impactful their fellowship has been on their long-term career, all the surveyed recipients have rated the program 10/10.
Lily Drummond, Points of Sail, 2022 press image. Photo courtesy the artist.
Lily Drummond, whose fellowship enabled her to write and direct her first professionally-produced short film, Points of Sail, says that “the Helpmann Academy Fellowship allowed me to step into the director’s chair with confidence. It was my launchpad into the film industry, teaching me invaluable skills in managing large productions and fostering industry connections”.
After the film production, Drummond was offered a role as video producer at triple j at the ABC in Sydney, where she used the skills learnt through her fellowship in her daily work. She went on to direct the station’s Like A Version for one and a half years, and worked in a video crew at music festivals, producing videos with radio presenters and directing short documentaries about Australian artists such as The Rubens, Lime Cordiale and Middle Kids.
“I led the triple j World Pride video campaign, where I directed and produced a series for ABC iView and triple j YouTube titled D&M, hosted by Abby Butler and Tyrone Pynor,” she says. “These skills were as a direct result of the project I undertook through the fellowship.”
Olivia Dryden, Magpie Skill with Baroque Pearls Necklace. Photo courtesy the artist.
When reflecting on being one of the inaugural recipients of a Helpmann Fellowship, Olivia Dryden says it was “huge” for her career, although not in the way she originally expected.
“I was meant to continue further studies overseas, but COVID got in the way. Although I had originally planned to be a full-time jeweller/artist, I learnt during my fellowship that this could be quite isolating. I decided I wanted to have a job to complement my creative practice, where I can be around people and get my social fix and that doesn’t drain my creative inspirations… I now manage an art gallery, Art Images Gallery, on the Parade. I now work with artists daily and get to share their passions with customers.
“I continue to make jewellery and am still very passionate about it. I have a few galleries around Australia that I have my jewellery in and continue to participate in group exhibitions. I love telling people about the Helpmann Academy and the positive impact it had on my artistic career.”
Tim Carlier, HD still from Paco, 2023. Photo courtesy the artist.
Tim Carlier, now thriving in London’s competitive film industry, credits the Helpmann Academy for the confidence and skills that has made moving overseas possible.
“Many of the skills I learned and contacts I made brought me here,” Carlier says. “Most importantly, the confidence in myself that came from Helpmann’s investment in me has really pushed me and shaped my career so far.”
Carlier’s fellowship project was focused on exploration of different forms of cinema and how they work in Europe, with part of the project involving a three-month experimental film course in Berlin.
“This shaped my artistic process in a way I wasn’t expecting and led me to make my experimental comedy feature film Paco (also partially funded by Helpmann), which had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and has just had a cinema release in Australia.”
Concert photograph of Connor Fogarty, 2022. Photo: Darren Quick
For Connor Fogarty, the purpose of his fellowship was to support the creation of a 30-minute symphony for the Adelaide Wind Orchestra (AWO). The work received its premiere performance at Elder Hall in November 2023.
“The long-term impact of the project is that the AWO have given two further performances of the work in 2024,” he says. “The first was at Elder Hall on 6 July and the second at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Gwangju-Gyeonggi, South Korea, on 16 July… This has meant that my work has been heard by an international audience of conductors, performers, composers and experts.”
The long-term impact of the unique Emerging Director Fellowship has been crucial to Clara Solly-Slade’s development.
“Whilst I was eligible for Helpmann support they enabled me to run a mentorship program pairing emerging and experienced performers, develop new work, receive feedback on the grants I was developing, and undertake three separate international professional development opportunities,” she explains.
“They are such a significant pillar in the South Australian arts community and something which is incomparable on a national scale. They taught me to see myself not just as an artist but as a professional, and deepened my understanding on how to further my practice in the local industry and give me an insight on the opportunities and differences in industry on a global scale.”
A legacy of support and excellence
As we reflect on the journey of the Helpmann Academy Fellowships, it becomes evident that their impact extends beyond financial assistance. They serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth, shaping the next generation of artists who will define the future of local, Australian and international arts. From filmmaking and theatre direction to visual arts and music composition, the fellowship alumni continue to inspire with their creativity, resilience, and dedication.
Looking forward, the ongoing commitment of the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation ensures that the legacy of the Helpmann Academy Fellowships remains vibrant and enduring. As new generations of artists emerge, they will find in Helpmann Academy not just a supporter but a partner in their journey.
In celebrating the long-term impact of the Helpmann Academy Fellowships, we celebrate not just individual achievements but a collective commitment to fostering a thriving arts community. The Creative Investment Fellowships, as they are currently known, continue to champion creative ambition and risk-taking, ensuring that South Australia remains a hub for artistic innovation and excellence.
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In 2024, the Creative Investment Fellowships will again take a new shape. Offered at up to $7500, applications are currently open. To find out more and apply, visit the Helpmann Academy website.
Henry Wolff is a visual artist and arts worker living and working on Kaurna Country.
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