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.

Workshopped started in 2001 with five designers and a small but well-received exhibition. Ten years later and the event is a highly-anticipated part of the annual Sydney Design festival.

Workshopped features products that haven’t been exhibited before. Event organisers look for designers that have identified and considered the issues related to a piece’s production – whether limited or mass production and irrespective of the production method. Most important, they look for design that might be desired, taken home and lived with.

Applications for Workshopped 11 are due 15 April 2011.

For more information and to apply visit here.

The Kelvin Grove Road billboard at the Creative Industries Precinct, Kelvin Grove, is the largest in Australia dedicated to public art.

Measuring 45m by 9m, the Billboard has featured a curated program of art and design works by practitioners ranging from school children to internationally acclaimed artists since its inception six years ago.

In 2010, QUT will mark Science Week with a commissioned art/design work on the billboard relating to an aspect of science.

Expressions of Interest from artists, designers and scientists who are interested in developing a work for the site.

Submissions close 31 May 2010.

For more information and to submit an EOI visit here.

The Arcade Project, an initiative of Gaffa Gallery, seeks to provide promotional spaces for motivated and proactive mid-career makers and designers. This is a unique opportunity for designers to have their work displayed in a ‘pop-up’ style retail space, and gain access to a wide and varied audience in the inner city of Sydney.

The purpose of this initiative is to enable the exchange of critical dialogue and feedback from peers, whilst instigating greater
opportunities for public exposure and career development.

Gaffa encourages proposals for concept spaces, combined studio/workroom and retail space as well as sole retail projects.
The four spaces change over every three months. Gaffa is currently accepting proposals for projects on exhibition in the space from 10 May to 15 August 2010.

More than just market stalls, each hire space inside the arcade offers creators an affordable and accessible way to gain sales and exposure. Individual spaces are professionally fitted out, but easily adjustable to specific display requirements.

Space hire is inclusive of onsite retail staff provided by Gaffa who will handle sales and enquiries and provide marketing support. There will be no commission taken on sales.

Apart from initial installation and bump out the designer is not required to be present during their retail block unless it is necessary for stock replenishment.

Applications are encouraged from all types of creators and makers including but not limited to those working in the fields of product design, fashion, textiles, homewares, toys, book, stationery and more. 

This opportunity may be of particular interest to non-Sydney based designers who are looking at exploring new markets.

Applications are due 13 April 2010.

For information and to be sent an info kit email zoe@gaffa.com.au.