Australia Council has awarded more than half of its individual artist grants to women – 63%, the highest ever percentage.
Some areas saw women do even better, with 73% of music grants going to women. Among the recipients was composer Cat Hope, who will develop her opera Speechless with the funds.
Other funded artists include Stephanie Lake, who will create dance piece Skeleton Tree; sculptor Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, whose work will be presented at Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney; and writer Khalid Warsame, who received backing for his debut novel.
In total, the council awarded AUD6.3m (€10.2m) to more than 200 projects. However, that means that only around one in six applications received funding; over 1,000 missed out.
Commented Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski: “These grants will support a significant range of arts activity. The Australia Council’s project and career development grants invest in artists at crucial moments, supporting sustainable careers, and the creation of compelling artistic work that will be experienced and enjoyed by audiences across Australia and internationally.”
Regional panels of industry experts assess applications for Australia Council grants. The next funding round closes on 2 October.