Firstdraft aims to encourage excellence in arts writing practice and increase professional development opportunities for emerging arts writers through a process of mentorship and the provision of remunerated publishing opportunities.

What the program involves:

–3 month writing mentorship with an established arts writer. The mentorship will involve critical feedback and guidance about your writing practice and the arts writing sector
–Mentorship with your nominated arts writer negotiated by Firstdraft on the writers’ behalf
–Publication of a critical review, interview or short essay
–Printed publication to accompany an exhibition of your choice at the Firstdraft exhibition program
–The opportunity to interview Firstdraft Studio artists to be published on the Firstdraft Studio blog and/or the annual Firstdraft Studio Publication
–Critical discussion with Firstdraft artists and directors over a 3 month period
–Writers’ fee of AU$500.00

Applications for 2012 close 6.00pm Friday 12 August 2011.

For further information and to download an application form visit Firstdraft here.

–Expand their professional practice by conceiving of and realising an exhibition project at the gallery
–Provide exhibition space and funding for a publication that accompanies the creative project
–Encourage creative dialogue and discussion through public artist and curator talks

Firstdraft will provide the successful applicants with:

–3 week exhibition in the Firstdraft Depot gallery (including promotion and opening costs)
–Access to and assistance with Firstdraft’s equipment and resources
–Funding of up to AU$1,500.00 for the production of a catalogue that accompanies the show and a curatorial fee

Applications close 6.00pm Friday 12 August 2011.

For further information and to download an application form visit Firstdraft here.

Eligibility – For the purposes of this application you must consider yourself to be ‘emerging’. Firstdraft will consider applications from any individual meeting these selection criteria regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality or gender. Applications from collaborating artists are also welcome, but due to the nature of the program will receive no extra allowances. There is no restriction on the thematic or the types of artwork that will be considered; however due to Firstdraft’s grant requirements, the exhibition should consist primarily of emerging artists.

The LICC concept was developed in 2006 by artist Launa Bacon and the Farmani Group to give international creatives the chance to be selected for the annual London Creative Award publication and to connect with an international audience. Since 2009 the LICC has drawn together creative work from around the world, connecting designers, photographers, artists, architects and film makers. The Farmani Group also runs the International Design Awards and  The Lucie Awards for photography.

Entries are juried by a board of internationally recognised artists, writers, curators and gallery owners who encourage entrants to push the boundaries of creativity. Creative disciplines eligible to enter include the following:

–Textile design
–Environmental design
–Fashion design
–Graphic design
–Illustration
–Painting
–Photography
–Video and film

All work must be submitted by Monday 1 August 2011 and all successful entries will be published in the LICC Annual.

For further information visit the London International Creative Competition here.

Each presentations is 90 seconds and four finalists are picked from the first round. In round two, finalists have five minutes to flesh out their idea and for questions from the floor. The winner becomes a nominees for the big Pitch Club held in October/November 2011.

The next event is being held in Hobart and only eight spots are available so be quick to register. For more information and to book go here.

Pitch Club Hobart is held on 21 July 2011 from 5.30 – 8.30pm.

11am–12pm, Monday 27 June 2011.

The talk will be held at the Artisan Gallery, 381 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Book your place here