Strong outcome for female artists in latest Australia Council grants
Over 73% of the music grants in the latest round of Australia Council funding went to individual female artists.
Overall more than more than half (63%) of all artforms went to females.
The Australia Council has been focussed on the diversity gap since the release of the research Making Art Work which highlights the substantial pay gap for women in the arts.
Among those getting funded are the inaugural Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) and award-winning Cat Hope to develop the final stage of her opera Speechless.
Among the music artists were All Our Exes Live in Texas ($48,000), Catherine Britt ($16, 920), Arcko Symphonic Project ($32, 757), Emma Donovan ($10,500), Haiku Hands ($22,850), Gordi, ($18, 230), Middle Kids ($34,560), Pierce Bros ($18, 796) and Georgia Flipo ($25,000).
The successful associations included WAM ($82,500), the Canberra International Music Festival ($85,000), Queenscliff Music Festival ($93,400), Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre Inc ($93,000), The Push ($15,000) and the Association of Artist Managers ($10,000).
The full list is here.
The high demand for Australia Council grants continued, with a total of 1,227 applications received including 30% from first-time applicants.
In addition to the funded projects, a further 163 projects were assessed to be worthy of support.
Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski acknowledged the diversity and quality of the projects funded in such a competitive environment.
“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.”