In partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts, Create NSW is calling for expressions of interest from inspiring NSW-based visual arts leaders to attend the Venice Biennale 2019 as mentors for emerging Australian visual artists.
“We’re looking for visual arts leaders across NSW to give back to the sector and share their experience with emerging artists during their respective Venice experiences,” said Elizabeth W. Scott, Create NSW Executive Director for Investment and Engagement.
“The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most respected visual arts events and this is a fantastic opportunity to help ensure that our attending emerging Australian artists make the most of their experience when it comes to their professional development.”
Two positions are available for proven leaders to travel to Venice to support up to eight participants from the Australia Council’s Venice Biennale 2019 Emerging Arts Professionals Program. Support of up to $7,500 each is available to cover mentor travel, accommodation and insurance plus any additional costs associated with the program.
The Australia Council conducts two events programs, the first from 4 – 14 May 2019 running alongside the Biennale’s Vernissage week, and a second in September/October 2019.
Mentors will travel for either one of these programs and will take on a facilitation role, assisting the Australia Council and program participants to leverage international networking and other opportunities and provide advice and support to enable greater participation in the Venice Biennale 2019.
Aimed at supporting the skills and capacity building of emerging artists, applicants should demonstrate that they have established international networks, program delivery experience and high-level skills in leadership, mentoring and cultural competency.
“The Australia Council’s successful Venice Biennale Professional Development Program offers Australian arts professionals a unique opportunity to build their skills, knowledge and networks in an exceptional international context: alumni of this program have reported significant career development resulting from their time in Venice,” said Dr Wendy Were, Executive Director Strategic Development and Advocacy at the Australia Council for the Arts.
“We are very pleased this year to work in partnership with Create NSW to offer further support to participants in our Emerging Arts Professionals Program in the form of two mentors.”
The expression of interest is open until Monday 7 January 2019. For more information, including guidelines and applications, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: Australian Pavilion Giardini della Biennale – photo by John Gollings