The Guide: December 2024
With the festive season fast approaching, you might be tempted to hit the brakes and soak up some summer sun, but with some of the hottest artist opportunities now open, be sure to read on before you hit the beach!
This December, you can support creative businesses by shopping with some of incredible makers and creators in our community. Whether you're gifting or indulging, there is something special for everyone:
- Foodies will love the bush food pantry from My Dilly Bag.
- Gift seekers can explore Saltwater Eco Tours Shop, offering a stunning range of First Nations, sustainable, and local giftware.
- Coffee enthusiasts will adore Mindful Mugs by Ayr Ceramics.
- Art lovers can find unique hand-printed lino cut prints from Wilderess Designs or shop at the galleries in Noosa and Caloundra, where you can mix retail therapy with the latest exhibitions.
Read on to discover what’s on offer this summer.
Push the boundaries of your practice with the TAKEOVER Program
Applications close 7 December
The TAKEOVER Program at The Old Ambulance Station is now open for applications. This program offers successful applicants space to create, $2,000 in cash and support to help bring new ideas to life. The TAKEOVER program encourages both emerging and established artists, performers, and creatives of all disciplines to push the boundaries of their practice, explore innovative concepts, and engage with the local community in meaningful ways. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure, develop new projects, and build lasting connections.
Emerging Artist Grants for International Professional Development Opportunities
Applications close 14 January 2025
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust provides grants of up to $15,000 to support emerging and early-career artists across diverse disciplines. Funding prioritises structured professional development, including residencies, mentorships, masterclasses, and study tours, with a focus on international opportunities. Applicants must contribute personally to their projects. These experiences help you gain invaluable skills, expand your networks, and learn from global leaders. Many artists supported by the Trust have gone on to gain significant recognition, with several becoming household names or achieving renown in their fields.
Caloundra Regional Gallery opens highly anticipated Local Contemporary Art Prize
Applications close 9 February 2025
This exciting annual exhibition showcases the breadth of contemporary arts practice in the region, welcoming works from emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Now in its eleventh year, the prize is seen as one of the premier art prizes in the Sunshine Coast region.
With a total prize pool of $17,000 and the opportunity to showcase both 2D and 3D works, artists from both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions are encouraged to submit their entries. The winning artwork will be acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
EOI
Apply now to exhibit at the 23rd annual SWELL Sculpture Festival, transforming Currumbin Beach into a stunning outdoor gallery for 10 days this September. Submit completed works, works in progress, or concepts.
Applications close 31 January.
ARTIST SHOWING
MadeSC invites you to its quarterly Artist in Residence showing. Get an early glimpse into exciting projects in development, discover what local artists are creating, and connect with fellow creatives at 2ND Space, Nambour.
Wednesday 18 December.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FutureNOW is seeking early-career artists and creative technologists to explore place-based works. Successful applicants will receive a $2,000 stipend to participate in workshops, forums, and a weekend intensive with producers and curators to develop their practice.
Applications close 27 January.
EOI
Sunshine Coast artists and designers are invited to apply for the Wildflowering Design Lab. Explore art, technology, and natural heritage through knowledge sharing, professional development and skills exchange and access to UniSC Maker Space specialist equipment.
Applications close 9 December.
EVENT
Join Fiona Cuthbert O'Meara and Dr. Fiona Fell (Barcelona) for Innocent Bystander, an immersive arts experience exploring new perspectives on self and environment. The event includes an art viewing and community conversation.
Friday 13 December.
ARTIST TALK
Join visual artist Deb Mostert at Caloundra Regional Gallery for a tour and discussion of her Nature and Culture exhibition. Discover her process, inspired by natural history and still life. Light refreshments provided.
Friday 13 December.
ARTIST TALK
Join artist Mieke van den Berg at Noosa Regional Gallery for a discussion on her current exhibition One Thread Many Loops, exploring anarchic feminist theories through traditional domestic craft.
Saturday 8 January.
COMEDY: International comedian Ben Knight
EXHIBITION OPENING: Maximum Madness: Art inspired by Mad Max
POETRY SLAM: Liquid Lyrics Grand Final 2024
Image credits (from top): Image courtesy of The Old Ambulance Station; Image via Unsplash; Image courtesy of Caloundra Regional Gallery; Charlie Trivers, A Day at the Beach. Image Leximagery. Image courtesy of Swell Festival; Darren Blackman, Stolen 2023, Acrylic painting on Belgian linen. Photo by Louis Lim;Image courtesy of Wildflowering Design Lab; Image via Unsplash; Image courtesy of Fiona Cuthbert O’Meara; Deb Mostert, Shrimp Hook Plush Whale 2023 oil on canvas 102 x 72 cm unframed. Image courtesy of Caloundra Regional Gallery; Mieke van den Berg, Embodied Labour (detail). Courtesy of the artist.
The Guide is your essential source for information on opportunities, grants,
events, and professional development programs for creatives.
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