A cutting-edge program helping support, develop and grow the region’s arts sector is looking for its next cohort of artists. Project 24 is an artist residency program which hosts two artists every month for 12 months at 2ndSpace studio in Nambour, supporting established and emerging artists to create, develop and show their work.

Sunshine Coast Council Creative Development Team Leader Megan Rowland said artists and collectives of all disciplines should apply—choreographers, projection artists, dancers and visual creatives, plus everyone else in between. “Each month, the two chosen artists or collectives take over our MakersSpace and Studio 3 at 2nd Space in Nambour,” Ms Rowland said. “We provide the space, access to industry mentors and peers along with a bursary of $2000, which allows artists to unpack an existing idea or experiment with something new. If we want to enjoy the arts here, we need to support them at the concept stage,” Ms Rowland said.

Expressions of interest closed on 10 April, with successful applicants to be announced at the end of April.

Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Cr Rick Baberowski said a key goal of the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018 – 2038 and ArtsCoast was to help build and develop the profile and recognition of Sunshine Coast artists. “We have a sizable number of talented artists and creative practitioners on the Sunshine Coast, and through support, encourage them to stay as well as to attract more,” Cr Baberowski said.

“To do that, we need to help generate opportunities for them to create, develop and showcase their work. Through Project 24, artists have access to a collaborative, supportive, creative environment where ideas are exchanged and inspiration can flourish. “Plus, they receive the critical exposure and the opportunity to present their work to the public during the showings, held at the end of each residency,” Cr Baberowski said.

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