Perpetual and Australia Council open nine scholarships for emerging Australian artists

Scholarships worth more than $400,000 will be delivered by the Australia Council for the Arts, as part of a three-year partnership with Perpetual.

For the first time The Australia Council is pleased to announce two additional scholarships on behalf of Perpetual, established with the philanthropic support of former NSW Premier, the late Sir Robert Askin, and his wife Lady Mollie Askin.

2018 The Sir Robert William Askin Operatic Scholarship – $30,000

2018 The Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship – $30,000

The scholarships are awarded biennially, and assist the selected recipients to further their career development through study and travel in Australia or overseas.

The Australia Council is also delighted to once again deliver the Marten Bequest travelling scholarships, which are the legacy of the late arts philanthropist John Marten.

These scholarships will support seven emerging artists with $50,000 each to develop their craft. Applications are now open from artists and practitioners in acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing. Previous recipients of Marten Bequest travelling scholarships include celebrated author Tim Winton, and acclaimed visual artist Wendy Sharpe.

Australia Council CEO, Mr Tony Grybowski said the partnership with Perpetual supports the Australia Council’s vision of growing private, public and philanthropic funds to support the arts.

“The Australia Council is delighted to be managing The Marten and Askin Bequests, and opening up opportunities that support Australian artists to build valuable networks and develop their artistic practice,” Mr Grybowski said.

Perpetual National Manager Philanthropy and Non Profit Services, Caitriona Fay, said: “Through the Marten Bequest Scholarships, and now also through the scholarships established by Sir Askin and his wife, Lady Mollie Isabelle, many Australian artists have been given the opportunity to pursue their passion in the Arts.”

“Perpetual is pleased that through the Australia Council’s knowledge and expertise, an impressive group of Australian artists will have the opportunity to travel and develop professionally.”

Co-investment is part of the Australia Council’s Strategic Plan   and builds on successful international collaborations and external partnerships to support diversity and excellence in the arts.

Perpetual is the Trustee of the Marten an Askin Bequests. Eligibility and criteria for The Marten Bequest and Askin Bequest scholarships can be found on the Australia Council’s website.

Applications are now open until 31 January 2018 with the successful artists notified on 1 May 2018.

About Perpetual Philanthropic Services

Perpetual is one of Australia’s largest managers and distributors of philanthropic funds with $2.4 billion in funds under advice (as at 30 June 2016). Perpetual is trustee for more than 1,000 charitable trusts and endowments and provides individuals and families with advice on establishing charitable foundations and structured giving programs. Perpetual also assists charities and not-for-profit organisations with investment advice and management.

About The Australia Council for the Arts

The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government’s principal arts funding and advisory body. The Australia Council is committed to making the vitality of our arts and culture more visible, and to recognising and supporting the evolving way that Australians make and experience art. Our role is to support the unimagined along with the reimagined, the unknown and experimental along with the keenly anticipated. We are a champion for Australian arts both here and overseas.