First Nations Visual Arts Scholarship Applications Open

We’re excited to announce the continuation of the First Nations Visual Arts Scholarship delivered in partnership with the Byron School of Art (BSA). Applications are now open for the scholarship which will sponsor a First Nations artist to participate in a year-long Visual Arts Foundation Course. Designed to provide an extensive grounding in the Visual Arts, students will gain knowledge, skills and experience needed to form an integrated understanding of contemporary visual arts ideas and practices. 

Attuned to the needs of individual students, the course is suitable to both emerging artists who wish to establish their practice and established artists who wish to refine or expand. The school’s structured studio programs equip students with a range of competencies from the practical skills including drawing, painting, printmaking and 3D studies, to installation practice, digital media, design principles, colour theory, art history and critical thinking.

2021 Scholarship recipient Belle Budden is a Wakka Wakka woman living and working in Bundjalung Country. Belle has spent the past year working with diverse forms to expand her practice including paint, printmaking, ceramics and multimedia. Belle said:

“Studying with BSA has provided me the opportunity to concentrate on practical art skills, deepening my artistic and cultural expression. Covid, lockdowns and work commitments have affected and interrupted the course, the BSA team have been so supportive and adaptable in responding to these changes.  I am so grateful for the experience”.

This scholarship will be supported by Arts Northern Rivers Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support funding as well as the Arts Northern Rivers Gift Fund. All donations to the Gift Fund over $2 are tax deductible and are welcomed to ensure the ongoing success of the Scholarship. 

Intake for this preliminary course does not require previous experience, however examples of artistic ability and evident interest in visual art can be beneficial during the process. The 2022 BSA Visual Arts Foundation course will run for a total of 30 weeks on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at the Byron School of Art in Mullumbimby.