Four local artists received Bouddi Foundation grants
Four young artists from the Peninsula have received grants from the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts.
Foundation chairman Mr John Bell announced the $22,500 in grants for 17 talented young artists on the Central Coast in early September.
A presentation ceremony will be held in early November.
Disciplines addressed by the 2017 grants include contemporary and classical music, photography, dance, ceramics, musical theatre and drama.
The Peninsula's Shana O'Brien, Madeline Bell, Tiana Young and Molly Millington are recipients.
Shana O'Brien of Umina received a $2000 grant to help her pursue a future in dance.
She has been at NAISDA full time for the last four years and said she hoped the grant would help her explore the line between visuals and movement in art and dance.
"I have always been drawn to the creative arts in many forms and I want to explore and learn as much as possible from all different people," she said.
"I want to be inspired by the world around me and, as I grow, start creating my own works of art.
"I'm really interested in interdisciplinary art right now and where the line between visual and movement art can be pushed," she added.
Shana said she would be using her grant to take part in a 200-hour intensive yoga teacher training camp.
"Moving into the arts industry as a trained dancer I feel that yoga will be a really great skill to have, not only for work opportunities, but also to maintain my own mind body practice.
"At this point in time, I am hoping to do the course in India and the grant will help a lot with that," she said.
Mr Bell paid tribute to those who played the important role in supporting the young.
"It would be difficult to imagine how these young people could achieve their potential without the mums, dads and others who support them emotionally, financially and through the many hours behind steering wheels and waiting at draughty halls where tuition takes place."
He mentioned the teachers who nurtured and encouraged the growth of skills, techniques and knowledge that were essential in the development of artistic talent.
"We are fortunate indeed to have people on the Central Coast of such dedication and outstanding talents to pass on to our young people" he said.
Mr Bell said there was a growing list of sponsored categories in the awards, including the Lee Casey Memorial Award.
The Lee Casey award is named after one of the founders of the Foundation and is sponsored by Lee's family.
"It is a touching and fitting way for Lee to be remembered and to ensure that his interest in the arts will continue in a meaningful way," Mr Bell said.
The awards presentation will take place from 2pm on Sunday, November 19, at the Wagstaffe Hall.
"It is a big day for us and for the young artists, some of whom will perform during the afternoon," Mr Bell concluded.
"We encourage people to come along and see their talent for themselves, "Mr Bell said.
Special guests James Valentine and HG Nelson will also provide entertainment.
SOURCE:
Media release, 11 Sep 2017
Joy Park, Bouddi Foundation