Art Bursaries
2024 art bursaries
Artspace Mackay’s 2023 Rick Wood Bursary ($1000) and Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary ($3000) are now open!
$1000 art bursary for school graduates applying to study visual or creative arts
If you’re graduating high school and planning to continue your studies in visual arts and/or creative industries in 2024, apply now for this valuable financial assistance to further your artistic career!
The bursary is open to students of the Mackay region completing year 12 in 2023, who wish to pursue a career in any aspect of visual arts or creative industries, and may be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or expenses required as part of the student’s studies.
This Bursary was re-introduced by Artspace Mackay in 2021 to support and encourage school leavers, originating from the Mackay Regional Council local government area, who wish to pursue a career in the visual arts. The bursary pays tribute to one of Mackay’s celebrated artists, the late Rick Wood and recognises his service and enthusiasm for the arts.
Rick Wood was integral to the development of ceramics in north Queensland for more than two decades. He was instrumental in founding the Pioneer Potters group, which was well respected for its serious and dedicated approach to the advancement of ceramics in Central Queensland.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the Rick Wood Bursary, you must be:
* a local resident of the Mackay Regional Council Local Government Area
* currently studying Year 12 and have applied to study or intend to apply to study the following year in a recognised visual arts or creative industries tertiary course.
How do I apply?
Students are required to submit an application to Artspace Mackay including by COB Friday 10 November 2023 including:
* a cover letter outlining why you should be considered (tell us why you’re the winning candidate!) and detailing which university course you’re applying to;
* a brief resume of artistic achievements to date; and,
* a USB/memory stick containing your artist’s portfolio of maximum 10 high quality images of your work (digital videos and/or photos accepted).
How can I use the Bursary Funds?
The $1,000 Rick Wood Bursary may be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or expenses required as part of your studies.
What is the closing date when will I know if successful?
Applications close on Friday 10 November 2023, with the successful applicant announced in late November 2023.
Applications can be mailed or delivered by hand:
Mail to: Artspace Mackay Rick Wood Bursary, PO Box 41, Mackay Qld 4740
Personally deliver to: Front reception desk at Artspace Mackay, 61 Gordon St, Civic Precinct, Mackay.
If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Heathwood, Artspace Mackay Director by phone 4961 9722 or email artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au
$3000 Art Bursary for tertiary students currently studying visual or creative arts
If you’re currently studying visual or creative arts at a tertiary level, apply now for this valuable financial assistance to further your artistic career! This bursary continues the legacy of Artspace Mackay Foundation, a former independent, non-profit organisation whose mission was to strengthen financial support for Artspace Mackay by driving philanthropic activities that resulted in sustainable partnerships with individuals, business and government.
The bursary is open to university students currently studying/enrolled in a recognised visual arts or creative industries tertiary course in 2023, and may be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or expenses required as part of the student’s studies.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, you must be:
* a local resident of the Mackay Regional Council Local Government Area and
currently studying/enrolled in a recognised visual arts or creative industries tertiary course.
How do I apply?
Tertiary students are required to submit an application including:
* a cover letter outlining why you should be considered (tell us why you’re the winning candidate!) and detailing which university course you’re currently studying
* a brief resume of artistic achievements to date
* a USB/memory stick containing your artist’s portfolio of maximum 10 high quality images of your work (digital videos and/or photos accepted).
How can I use the Bursary Funds?
The $3000 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary may be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or other expenses required as part of your studies.
What is the closing date when will I know if successful?
Applications close on Friday 10 November 2023, with the successful applicant announced in late November 2023.
Applications can be mailed or delivered by hand:
Mail to: Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, PO Box 41, Mackay Qld 4740
Personally deliver to: Front reception desk at Artspace Mackay, 61 Gordon St, Civic Precinct, Mackay.
If you have more questions, contact Tracey Heathwood, Artspace Mackay Director by phone 4961 9722 or email artspace@mackay.qld.gov.au.
The program was initiated to support and encourage young people from the Mackay region aged 17-25 yrs to pursue a career in any aspect of visual arts and creative industry. Through this bursary Artspace Mackay seeks applicants who demonstrate creative talent and ability, enthusiasm, and dedication to succeed in their chosen field. Bursaries may be used to cover tuition fees, resources, equipment or other expenses related to students’ studies.
Past recipients of the Artspace Mackay Foundation Hands On Bursary have found the financial aid provided by the bursary invaluable for the continuation of their study, click on the active links below to read personal accounts and advice for others thinking about applying…
2021 - Hollee Standon (Rick Wood Bursary)
2021 - Lisa Roebig Holmes (Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary)
2020 - Dylan Mooney
2019 – Tristan Kane
2018 - Linnea Freeman
2017 - Bethany Cordwell
2016 - Julia Kaddatz
2015 - Phoebe Short
2014 - Rachel McGann
2013 - Kelly Hooker
2012 - Kaitlin Bakalar
2011 - Jessie Hall
2010 - Nicola Laidlow
The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre is also offering the following Bursary
JACK STURGEON BURSARY
$1000 THEATRE ARTS BURSARY
Young emerging artists, techs & backstage crew - Apply now!
Finishing school and continuing your studies in performing arts? This is for you!
The Jack Sturgeon Bursary for performing arts celebrates 21 years in 2022.
This bursary is in memory of the late Jack Sturgeon - a driving force behind building the Mackay Entertainment Centre.
The bursary is open to students of the Mackay Region completing Year 12 in 2022, who wish to pursue a career in performing arts.
Whether you’re a performing artist in music, theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret or a behind-the-scenes superstar, we want to hear from you!
For more information click here