Funding secured for young artist mentorship program

The Huon Valley Council is excited to announce that it will be launching an arts mentorship program under its Creative Huon program to support young local artists in their creative practice.

Six young people aged 16 to 25 will be selected for the program, with call outs opening in mid-June 2021. The participants will be matched with an established local artist from whom they will receive one-on-one mentoring.

Council thanks the Tasmanian Government for funding the program through its Community Arts and Cultural Development (Local Government) initiative.

The program will run from August to October 2021, with a celebration held in November in Huonville to acknowledge the achievements and experiences of the participants.

Council is delighted to have the following artists join the program as mentors:

Ruth Lindsell, project management and 2D art Dr L J M Owen, literature Anna Cadden, film making (including documentary) Tobias Hengeveld, musician and song writer Craig Snell, 3D art (glass blowing) Peter Rhodes, furniture making

The program will be led by Petcheys Bay artist and Huon Valley Council Arts and Culture Committee member Ruth Lindsell.

Participants will receive individual mentorship to support their career aspirations, whether they want to develop their skills and techniques, make connections, explore ideas, or all of the above. They will also receive an allowance for materials.

Council looks forward to welcoming young artists of a range of backgrounds, art styles and interests to the program.

“We are thankful to our artist community for welcoming this opportunity to deliver this valuable mentorship program locally to nurture the next generation of vibrant Huon Valley artists”

“This program truly delivers on the vision of the Huon Valley Arts and Culture Strategy, in that it does promote our vibrant community in which art is an expression of place, story and people that is unique to the Huon Valley,” said Huon Valley Council Mayor Bec Enders. “Now more than ever, artists need support to continue their practice and turn it into a successful, viable career.

“This funding program is the first of the State Government’s suite of programs being delivered as part of the $1 million Community Arts and Cultural Development Fund.

“We are thankful to our artist community for welcoming this opportunity to deliver this valuable mentorship program locally to nurture the next generation of vibrant Huon Valley artists.”

To stay up to date on call outs for the program, sign up for Council eNews and follow Huon Valley Council on Facebook and Instagram.

This project was assisted through Arts Tasmania.

Feature artwork by Ruth Lindsell