South Australian artists can now apply for a share of $25,000 to get their project off the ground, thanks to a new State Government grant announced this week.
Arts Minister Jack Snelling launched the ArtsPitch grant while speaking at a major forum held by Arts South Australia. The new initiative will see five individuals share in the grant.
“ArtsPitch aims to support innovation and creative risk-taking by individual artists,” said Mr Snelling. “Artists will get to pitch their idea to a panel made up of experts from across the arts, creative and business sectors.”
Mr Snelling also discussed the state’s creative future at the event, which was attended by around 150 representatives from the South Australian arts, culture and creative economy.
“This is about having starting the conversation about where the sector is headed and how we can get there,” said Mr Snelling. “It’s a great opportunity for new thinking with a focus on getting results and generating a strategic direction, led by the government.”
The full-day forum was held at the new, privately-funded, Klein Foundation Ngeringa Cultural Centre in Mt Barker. CEO of strategic innovation company Disrupter and co-founder of tomandandy Tom Hajdu and renowned public speaker and London bombing survivor, Dr Gill Hicks both joined the Arts Minister at the event.
Executive Director of the renamed Arts South Australia, Peter Louca also used the event to launch the agency’s new branding. “It represents our new direction and the creativity, agility and movement associated with our arts and cultural sector. It leaves no doubt that we are aligned with the State’s brand and the economic priorities outlined by the Premier,” said Mr Louca.
“The goal of this arts forum is to challenge, disrupt and then focus attention on the state’s prosperity through arts, culture and creativity.”
Mr Louca said the gathering builds on recent work, including the 40-year vision by the Arts Industry Council of South Australia and the creative economy work of the Department of State Development, to advance the sector.
For more information, visit: www.arts.sa.gov.au for details.
Image: Arts South Australia’s new branding