Creative pathways scholarship

Launching the Creative Pathways Scholarship for Emerging Artists

The Southern Highlands Community Foundation and Bowral Art Gallery are excited to announce the launch of the 'Creative Pathways Scholarship', a new opportunity designed to support emerging artists living in the Southern Highlands to take the next step in their creative journey.

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This scholarship aims to nurture creative growth through financial support, mentorship, and professional exposure through a significant exhibition opportunity.

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The Creative Pathways Scholarship offers

• $5,000 in financial support for artistic supplies to help develop a body of work

• Practical mentorship with two established local artists, tailored to your creative practice

• A week-long exhibition of your work at the Bowral District Art Gallery in February 2027

• Professional support in self-promotion, social media, and exhibition curation

• Studio access and weekend art workshops

 

The scholarship is open to artists aged 18 years and over who are currently living in the Southern Highlands and working in any artistic medium.

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For the purpose of this scholarship, an emerging artist is defined as an artist who has not yet held a solo exhibition in a major gallery or received significant public recognition for their work.

Formal applications for the Creative Pathways Scholarship open on 16 February and close on 31 March.  The successful applicant will be notified in early May.

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If you’re an emerging artist looking for guidance, support, and an opportunity to present your work in a major regional gallery, we encourage you to apply — or to share this opportunity with someone who should.

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For more information about eligibility, the timeline, or to start your application, please complete the form below.

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We look forward to discovering and supporting the next wave of Southern Highlands artists.

 

Eligibility

• Residency: Applicants must have resided in the Southern Highlands (within Wingecarribee Shire) for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately before the application date. 

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

• Emerging Artist Definition: An emerging artist is defined as an artist who has not yet held a solo exhibition in a major gallery or received significant public recognition for their work.

• Commitment to produce a body of work for exhibition in February 2027 (work with local practicing artists /mentors May 2026 to February 2027.)

• Applicants need to be available from May 2026 until the end of February 2027.

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The Creative Pathways Scholarship is a joint initiative between the Bowral Art Gallery and the Southern Highlands Community Foundation.