Five creative Australians win UK scholarship
Sydney-based writer and independentpublisher, Alice Gage, responsible for Ampersand magazine, a “curiosity journal”which incorporates literature, journalism and art is one of five recipients of theBritish Council’s 2010 Realise Your Dream award. Cage will travel to the UK tomeet with various publishers and distributors with a view to honing publishingskills and developing more effective modes of distribution that would see Ampersandstocked across Australia, America and Europe.
The five winners were announced last night, selected from more than 600 entries nationwide. Other winners were Samara Hersch, theatre maker from Melbourne, Maricor Marica, artisan designers and twin sisters from Sydney, Natalia Milosz-Piekarska, contemporary jeweller from Melbourne, and Geordie Brookman, theatre director from Adelaide.
Now in its eighth year, Realise YourDream is a unique prize among creative scholarships offering important industryhook-ups that have seen past winners expand their careers, both in Australiaand internationally. The prize awards each winner a return flight to the UKwith Virgin Atlantic and an $8,000 NAB Cash Passport from National AustraliaBank to cover their expenses. But the key part of the prize is a tailoredprofessional development programme, including meetings, placements andmentoring. The British Council will tap into its network in the UK creativeindustries to help open the doors winners need most to further their careers.
The winners are those applicants whodisplayed innovation and leadership in their chosen fields, and who have aclear vision of how they’ll benefit from connecting with the UK’s best. BritishCouncil Director Nick Marchand said: “This year’s winners showed impressivetalent, passion and commitment to their crafts. I highly commend each on theiroutstanding work and ongoing contribution to the creative industries.”
The 2010 Realise Your Dream entries wereopen to candidates in fields such as visual arts, fashion, design, advertising,architecture, music, animation, digital media, performing arts, publishing andcomputer games.
The scheme awards excellence in Australia’screative industries by providing financial and professional support to helpwinners make lasting connections and expand their horizons in one of the world’smost vibrant cultural settings, the UK. Realise Your Dream is a British Councilinitiative made possible by principal sponsor NAB, in association with VirginGroup of Airlines, Stamford Hotels and Resorts, triple j, Access PR andRepublic of Everyone.