- Next Level Fellowships to support career development have been awarded to five emerging regional creatives
- Program delivered by Regional Arts WA with support from the Cook Labor Government's Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program
- Fellowships provide up to $8,000 for professional development, mentorship and creative projects
- Cook Labor Government fostering a vibrant and creative economy
Western Australia's next generation of regional creatives are set to take the next steps in their artistic careers after being awarded the latest round of Next Level Fellowships.
Delivered by Regional Arts WA with support from the Cook Labor Government's Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program, the Fellowships provide young regional artists and arts workers aged 18 to 26 with up to $8,000 to pursue professional development, mentorships and creative projects over a 12-month period.
The program supports emerging creatives from regional and remote Western Australia to build skills, expand professional networks and develop sustainable careers in the arts sector.
This year's recipients represent a diverse cross-section of regional creative talent, spanning photography, visual arts, music and community arts leadership.
Among the recipients is Narrogin photographer Casey Jacobs, who will undertake 'Trees of WA', a photographic project exploring the diverse trees of regional Western Australia through a community-focused exhibition series.
Pilbara artist Jenna Pickering will undertake a month-long residency and mentorship program focused on portraiture practice and career sustainability following her success as a finalist in the ABC's Portrait Artist of the Year.
Mandurah creative leader Xanthe Turner will participate in a year-long mentorship with acclaimed landscape artist Leon Holmes to further develop her oil painting and plein air practice.
Geraldton arts worker Briony Bray will undertake professional development opportunities designed to strengthen arts leadership in the Mid West, while musician Maya Spilsbury-Slee, aka Maya Ixchell, will produce and release a new regional folk-pop EP.
The Next Level Fellowships form part of the Cook Labor Government's ongoing investment in regional arts and cultural development, supporting pathways for young creatives to live, work and build careers in regional communities.
Recipients include:
- Casey Jacobs - $8,000 for 'Trees of WA', a photographic project exploring regional Western Australia's diverse trees, culminating in a community slide night exhibition.
- Xanthe Turner - $8,000 for a year-long mentorship with internationally acclaimed artist Leon Holmes, focused on oil painting, plein air and professional arts practice;
- Jenna Pickering $8,000 for a month-long residency with mentors Paul Newton and Paul Field, developing portrait practice, career sustainability and professional networks;
- Briony Bray - $8,000 for a professional development retreat and workshop, including Bo Wong's Tide + Seek Retreat and a workshop for emerging Geraldton artists; and
- Maya Spilsbury-Slee - $8,000 for a regional folk-pop EP: a five-track release with producer James Newhouse, including recording, mixing and mastering three new tracks.
More information about the Next Level Fellowships program can be found at: regionalartswa.org.au/funding/nlg/
Comments attributed to Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"These talented young creatives are already making important contributions to their regional communities and to Western Australia's cultural landscape.
"It is inspiring to see a diverse group of young people pursuing creative projects across photography, music, visual arts and community arts leadership.
"The Next Level Fellowships are about creating opportunities for emerging artists and arts workers to build skills, gain industry experience and develop sustainable careers while remaining connected to their regional communities.
"The Cook Government is proud to support initiatives that help strengthen regional creative industries and ensure the future of regional arts in Western Australia remains vibrant."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"These Fellowships are helping talented young people in regional Western Australia access the skills, mentorship and industry experience they need to grow sustainable creative careers close to home.
"Regional communities are home to some of our State's most exciting emerging creative talent, and programs like Next Level help ensure those artists and arts workers can continue contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of their regions.
"It is fantastic to see recipients from across the Wheatbelt, Pilbara, Peel, Mid West and South West pursuing opportunities that will strengthen both their own careers and the broader regional arts sector.
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to investing in regional communities through programs that create opportunity, support local leadership and foster vibrant cultural industries throughout regional Western Australia."
