Each year council offers three exciting bursaries for visual and performing arts students, but this year the amount on offer has hit an all-time high.
In total, $7000 is up for grabs.
The MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary has tripled this year, with the Friends of the MECC sponsoring the bursary.
Performing arts students who have been accepted into tertiary studies in any aspect of the performing arts can now apply for $3000.
Two bursaries are also available for visual and creative arts students – the $1000 Rick Wood Bursary and the $3000 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary.
Mayor Greg Williamson said pursuing an artistic passion as a career was far from easy and tertiary education was becoming more expensive every year.
“You have to take your hat off to a young person who has the courage to back themselves and their creative talents by undertaking a tertiary degree, especially away from home,” Mayor Williamson said.
“These students deserve support, and we are proud to be able to offer some support to offset rising costs,” he said.
“Our region also takes great pride in seeing Mackay residents succeed and achieve great things on the national and international stage.”
Mayor Williamson said the support of the Jack Sturgeon Bursary by Friends of the MECC was a tremendous gesture.
“The Friends of the MECC do so much for our theatre and convention centre and this is just another way in which they are supporting performing arts in our region – this time on a grass roots level,” he said.
“The Jack Sturgeon Bursary for performing arts had been going for 23 years, and with this contribution from the Friends of the MECC it will give a fantastic boost to the career of young performing artists.
“One of the best things about this bursary is it covers the full gamut of entertainment – it’s not just for those wanting to be on stage performing, but also for those backstage, directing and coordinating.”
Acting Artspace Director Lauren Turton said the $3000 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary was geared towards visual arts students looking to take their tertiary study to the next level.
“In previous years recipients have used this bursary for a range of things like studying abroad with expert tutors or undertaking special projects, like major exhibitions or showcases in their final years of study,” Ms Turton said.
All three bursaries are now open and close Friday, November 9, 2024.
Bursaries will be presented in December this year.
For terms and conditions and to apply for the Rick Wood or Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursaries, head to artspacemackay.com.au/learning/bursary
For terms and conditions and to apply for the Jack Sturgeon Bursary, head to themecc.com.au/education/bursaries
Last year's bursary recipients: From left, Venue and Events Operations Manager (MECC and Events) Jemma Carey, Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient Baden Day, Mayor Greg Williamson, Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary recipient Georgia Farlow, Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary Highly Commended Emma Reginato, Leonie Wood (judge) and Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
