$10,000 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists now open for applications

The Windmill Trust, together with the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), is pleased to announce that the 2021 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists has opened for applications.  

"Receiving the generous support of the Windmill Trust Scholarship provided a fabulous opportunity to travel back to my homelands on Gamilaraay country and take the time (such a precious commodity) to sit and contemplate my relationship to it,” said Debbie Taylor-Worley, Tweed Coast resident and 2020 scholarship recipient.

“The work that was created on the trip is intimately connected to the places, spaces and my ancestors. It has inspired further investigation into the relationships between my wadjin (white woman) and Yinarr (Aboriginal woman) ancestors on the colonial frontier, resulting in a new work that continues the theme of water and women's roles in its protection. I’m so very grateful to have had this opportunity." 

This award opens up avenues for regional artists seeking to further their professional development, exhibition opportunities or deepen research with a $10,000 scholarship.

“The impact of this unique opportunity for artists in regional areas throughout New South Wales is career-changing,” said Penelope Benton, NAVA’s Executive Director. 

Established in 1997 in memory of the artist Penny Meagher, the Windmill Trust Scholarship was born out of a desire to offer support to Australian visual artists living outside metropolitan areas to advance their careers. This will be the 24th year of this unique opportunity for artists in regional areas throughout New South Wales.

"It’s pleasing to see the rural sector begin to emerge from prolonged drought and fires, and many Australians now taking the opportunity to experience rural and regional NSW and its contribution to art,” said Victoria Weekes, Windmill Scholarship Trustee.  

“The Trustees are once again excited to see the Windmill Trust Scholarship provide support to regional NSW artists to take their practice to a new level."

The recipient will join an esteemed alumni of scholars working in across a variety of traditional and contemporary mediums from all corners of regional NSW, including Dubbo, Goulburn, Murrumbateman, Wapengo, Port Macquarie, Coonamble, the Blue Mountains and more.

Applications for the 2021 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists are now open and the deadline has been extended to 23:59 AEST Sunday 15 August 2021. 1 x $10,000 scholarship will be awarded.