Member for Durack Melissa Price today announced that an artist in Durack has been awarded a Regional Artist Development Fellowship.

“This Coalition Government funding will support Julian Canny to expand his comedy business throughout the Mid West,” Ms Price said.

“I congratulate Mr Canny on this achievement and wish him all the best for this valuable development opportunity”.

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC has announced the recipients of five Regional Artist Development Fellowships which will support artists and arts workers in rural and regional areas across Australia to undertake professional and creative development.

Total funding of $125,000 will be shared between the five artists to pursue valuable experiences outside their communities in other regions, metropolitan areas and internationally.

Senator Brandis reinforced the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the professional development of regional artists and promoting a vibrant and resilient arts sector.

“These fellowships are helping regional artists to overcome some of the additional barriers in accessing opportunities in their professional arts practice and will inspire new creative directions in their chosen art form,” Senator Brandis said.

“The recipients will use the fellowships to partner with and learn from established artists and cultural institutions in Australia and or overseas.”

Two fellowships focus on increasing collaboration between arts institutions and raising the profile of regional arts practice through a placement in a state or national institution.

Three fellowships will promote artistic creative development by supporting artists from rural and regional Australia to participate in further study, training or mentorships programs.

“The fellowships will build recognition of the work of these regional artists nationally and internationally and deliver long-term benefits to the cultural life of their communities.”

The Regional Artist Development Fellowships are administered by Regional Arts Australia and further information is available on their website.