Home of the Arts (HOTA) has revealed the first recipients of its Rage Against the V(irus) Artist Fund who will receive up to $1000 cash toward nominated projects.
Announced last month, the fund was established to keep Gold Coast artists working and getting paid in these uncertain times, has attracted more than 100 applications with 12 recipients announced today.
HOTA CEO, Criena Gehrke, said the venue’s temporary closure was not going to stop HOTA supporting the local arts. “These 12 artists represent some of the best creators living on the Gold Coast. For as long as this virus rages on, we will continue to support artists for as long as we possibly can. Their art will speak for itself, the artists and for HOTA,” she said.
The line-up of local Gold Coast artists announced today included, Tim Baker, Thomas E.S. Kelly (Karul Projects), Dion Parker, Jay Jermyn, Kylie Chan, Matthew Gray, Amy John Roberts, Mark Gray, John Kaye, Sapodia Lindley, Pru Wilson and Scott French (Lovestreet Studios).
The creative works yet to be revealed, will start rolling out across the HOTA website and social media channels across the coming weeks, with more eligible local artists set to be revealed every 7 days for the next 7 weeks.
Rage Against the V(irus) Artist Fund was launched in record time by HOTA in response to the coronavirus outbreak and impact on the arts, offering cash support to local creatives during a time when they need it most.
“As a rapid response grant program we wanted imperfect ideas. If anything, these artists have reminded us that their raw creative talent is what makes this City a great place to be, even during a pandemic,” added Criena.
All nominated creative ideas require artists to produce an online outcome that can be streamed, posted or casted. Applications received so far span a wide spectrum including: comedy, dance workshops, animations, experimental music, song writing hacks, fine art and conversation, as well as e-zines, photography and podcasts, to name a few.
For more information about HOTA’s Rage Against the V(irus) Artist Fund, visit: www.hota.com.au for details. Applications are open until Friday 15 May 2020.
Image: Dion Parker with original artwork – photo by Natalie Popovski