12 NEWS IN AN INSPIRING celebration in early November, forty-two young artists from the Central Coast received grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 at the annual Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Showcase Awards Day at Wagstaffe Hall. The Foundation, championing young talent on the coast since 2011, awarded an impressive $78,600 this year, empowering these emerging young artists to pursue their dreams. Chairman, acclaimed actor and director John Bell AO, OBE, FRSN, led the presentation, setting the stage for an afternoon of song, dance, and even jaw-dropping acrobatics as ten grantees showcased their talents. Bell shared his admiration for the artistic talent flourishing on the Central Coast: “Every year, I am astonished at the depth of talent among young people from the Central Coast,” he said. “And 2024 is no exception. Indeed, the level of artistry displayed seems to be improving despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the arts across Australia and the world.” Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 273 grants, totaling over $540,000. This year’s 42 grants cover a dazzling array of artistic pursuits—from classical and contemporary dance to music, singing, and songwriting, acting, theatrical design, filmmaking, writing, visual arts, tap dancing, circus acrobatics and more. Winners were chosen from 92 applicants this year, with 54 finalists auditioning before panels of industry experts. Mentoring, no-cost studio time, and coaching are also selectively provided. This year, 44% of grants support young Central Coast artists facing economic, social, or cultural challenges, and 5% are awarded to indigenous artists. In its 14 years, the Foundation has helped the careers of 19 indigenous artist recipients. This represents 6.4% of all grants which compares favourably with the 4.9% of the Central Coast population that is indigenous. Applications for next year’s grants open in March/April 2025, inviting the next wave of young Central Coast’s aspiring artists to pursue their creative passions with support from the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts. To learn more about the Foundation go to bouddiarts.org.au Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Awards over $78,000 to spark the next generation of Central Coast Artists Awardees at Bouddi Arts Foundation’s 2024 Awards Day. John Bell AO centre CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW DECEMBER 2024
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