Health-focused art prize for SA artists

Philanthropic organisation, the Centre for Creative Health, has launched a $50,000 art prize, exclusively for South Australian artists over the age of 18.

The centre, a charity formed by the Hospital Research Foundation Group, is looking for entries on the theme of healing.

“We are thrilled to be launching our inaugural art prize and continue to support our many talented artists right here in SA,” said CCH executive director Fiona Smithson. “We are also most fortunate to be joined by some of the state’s leading arts professionals on our judging panels.

“The prize comes at a time when challenges of both physical and mental health are paramount in our society, and it seeks to invite and support a conversation around these issues.”

The main prize is $40,000, with $5000 for an emerging artist, $5000 for a veteran or emergency first responder, and $1000 for the people’s choice.

The veteran and emergency first responder prize is sponsored by Dr Helen McLean AM in memory of her father, who served in World War II.

The Centre for Creative Health provides arts programs and creative initiatives for patients, visitors and staff in hospitals across the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

The prize will be judged by a panel including the CEO of the Adelaide Central School of Art, Penny Griggs, artist and former arts minister Diana Laidlaw, the director of Hill Smith Art Advisory Margo Hill Smith, and the City of Adelaide’s public art planner Logan McDonald.

An exhibition of finalists will be held at the Light Square Gallery from September 27, with the winners announced on September 30.

Details are available here.

Umbrella Festival returns

The winter Umbrella Festival of music is returning after its pandemic-enforced hiatus in 2020, with this year’s program released today.

Music SA’s open-access festival is promising nearly 300 performances across more than 80 venues in Adelaide and regional SA, running from July 16 to August 8.

Umbrella’s first regional program will include 43 events across the Eyre Peninsula, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.

More than 40 per cent of the program will be free, including four sessions of “Adelaide Arcade Unplugged” which will feature Mum Friends, Seabass, Ricky Albeck and the Ukulele Death Squad.

The Indigenous program is headlined by Archie Roach at the Festival Theatre and an opening night show in Rymill Park (Mullawirraburka) featuring Larrakia and Tulampunga Pakana artists Marlon X Rulla, who supported Midnight Oil at WOMADelaide earlier this year.

Music SA general manager Kim Roberts urged audiences to support local artists and venues after a tough 2020.

“Music SA is so delighted that Umbrella Festival is returning in 2021, enlivening the whole state,” she said. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience 24 days packed full of diverse and exciting music to warm your winter, predominantly featuring our talented South Australian original contemporary artists.”

For the full program, go here.

Samstag scholarship applications open

The annual Samstag Scholarships are now open for applications, closing on June 30.

The scholarships enable Australian artists to develop their skills through practice-based learning in an international learning institution.

Each scholarship covers institutional fees for one academic year and include a US$50,000 tax-free allowance, airfares, and travel and medical insurance.

Given COVID-19 travel restrictions, Samstag is encouraging applicants to carefully consider their preferred institutions and destinations.

Go here for more details.

Theatre residencies open for diverse artists

ActNow joined with State Theatre last year in the pioneering online series, Decameron 2.0. Photo: Jack Fenby

South Australian company ActNow Theatre has announced its first “MakeSpace Residencies” for artists who belong to culturally and linguistically diverse communities or who are part of the queer community.

Four artists will be selected to work on projects with a digital outcome.

The chosen artists will have access to rehearsal space in ActNow’s CBD venue, MakeSpace, be provided with a stipend, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists of their choice.

“We are committed to supporting our artists through all the stages of their development, from engaging with us as community members to emerging artists and beyond,” said Yasmin Gurreeboo, co-CEO and artistic director of ActNow Theatre.

“Time, resources and space to develop new work are rare in our industry, so for us to be able to offer four artists this incredible opportunity is something we are all very excited about.”

The MakeSpace Residencies are made possible by funding from the State Government through Arts South Australia, and the Australian Council for the Arts.

Applications close at 11.59pm Tuesday, June 15. Go here for details.

Green Room is a regular column for InReview, providing quick news for people interested, or involved, in South Australian arts and culture.

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