Forty-two young Central Coast artists received grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 at the annual Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Showcase Awards Day at Wagstaffe Hall on Sunday, November 10.
The Foundation, which has been championing young talent in the region since 2011, awarded a total of $78,600 this year, empowering emerging young artists to pursue their dreams.
Chairman, acclaimed actor and director John Bell, led the presentation, setting the stage for an afternoon of song, dance, and jaw-dropping acrobatics as 10 recipients showcased their talents.
“Every year, I am astonished at the depth of talent among young people from the Central Coast,” Bell said.
“And 2024 is no exception; indeed, the level of artistry displayed seems to be improving despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the arts across Australia and the world.”
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 273 grants, totalling more than $540,000.
This year’s 42 grants covered an array of artistic pursuits – from classical and contemporary dance to music, singing, and songwriting, acting, theatrical design, filmmaking, writing, visual arts, tap dancing, circus acrobatics and more.
Winners were chosen from 92 applicants, with 54 finalists auditioning before panels of industry experts.
Mentoring, no-cost studio time, and coaching are also selectively provided.
This year, 44 per cent of grants supported young Central Coast artists facing economic, social, or cultural challenges, and five per cent were awarded to Indigenous artists.
In its 14 years, the Foundation has helped the careers of 19 Indigenous artist recipients.
This represents 6.4 per cent of all grants, with 4.9 per cent of the Central Coast population being Indigenous.
Applications for next year’s grants open in March/April 2025.
To learn more go to bouddiarts.org.au
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