The Australia Council will deliver $735,000 in grants and scholarships made possible through its successful partnerships with the private sector.
Today's announcement includes 12 scholarships worth $50,000 each offered through the Marten Bequest. The scholarships are administered by the Australia Council on behalf of Perpetual as Trustee.
Australia Council CEO Adrian Collette AM said it would be welcome news for the recipients.
"Creativity will be vital to our recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. It will help rebuild our communities, our social connections and our economy. At a time when so many artists are struggling with the impact of COVID-19, it is encouraging to be able to provide these significant opportunities for artists. This is a great example of the positive impact of our successful co-investment partnerships with philanthropic foundations, corporations and donors."
Recipients of the 2020 Marten Bequest scholarships will have two years to undertake their projects. In light of current travel restrictions, 2019 recipients will receive a further year to enable them to carry out their projects.
The Australia Council has also awarded two scholarships worth $30,000 each across ballet and opera. The scholarships were established by the Deed of Lady Mollie Askin and are administered by the Australia Council on behalf of Perpetual.
An additional $75,000 will be distributed to recording artists through the Australia Council's successful partnership with the PPCA. Recipients of the PPCA recording grants will be announced in June.
