Following on from the success of the inaugural Elise Ross Regional Award, we are thrilled to offer this opportunity for 2025.
“I am all too familiar with the obstacles young regional people face when trying to pursue their passion. There just isn’t the same access to support or professional development as is available to creatives based in, or around major cities. We want to try and help change this and support emerging regional creatives to chase successful careers in the Arts”
Elise Ross
The Elise Ross Regional Award 2025 is proudly supported by the Ross Family and is valued at up to $5,000. This round has expanded opportunities for emerging artists living in and/or planning to practice or study in regional South Australia.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the Elise Ross Regional Award – the award has supported me to undertake targeted development as a director and expand my networks in the local and national film making communities.”
Brendan Godfrey, 2024 Recipient
In 2025 this award assists emerging visual and performing artists based in regional South Australia, to overcome barriers presented by distance and population size, with creative and professional development opportunities.
The award may also be used by emerging creatives living and working in Adelaide and surrounds, who plan to perform, exhibit, tour or study in regional South Australia. Projects should foster activity, build connections between emerging creatives or create audiences in regional South Australia. You must demonstrate a genuine connection to the region, you plan to take your creative project to or undertake your professional development in.
You can pursue customised professional development programs, develop new creative projects, or do a combination of both. The self-directed programs may encompass a range of activities, such as engaging in residencies, receiving specialised training, participating in long-term workshops, or securing internships with recognised institutions or professional practitioners. Residencies, internships and/or training can be based interstate or internationally. You are encouraged to think big and go for it!
Brendan Godfrey is the inaugural recipient of this unique award. Brendan is a writer and director living and working in Port Augusta West. He completed a Bachelor of Media Arts (Film and Television) at the University of South Australia. He currently works producing television commercials for regional broadcast. The award assisted Brendan to attend the AFTRS Directing Intensive in Sydney, The Director’s Role Mercury Launch Lab, and Marketing & Festivals Mercury Launch Lab.
“The Elise Ross Regional Award was a great way for me to really elevate my practice as a director. It helped me develop new skills, techniques and gain invaluable insight into what it takes to be a working and successful director. The award allowed me to access opportunities as a regional artist that otherwise might have been out of my reach and helped me connect to both the Adelaide and wider Australian filmmaking community.”
Brendan Godfrey, 2024 Recipient
This award aims to fund meaningful opportunities, that are not currently available in your town or regional hub, and for emerging artists wishing to engage with regional South Australia.
Whatever direction you take, the opportunity should have a meaningful and vital impact on the development of your artistic practice and/or the community you’re engaging with, while empowering you to progress in your career.
The Elise Ross Regional Award 2025 is proudly supported by the Ross Family.
KEY DATES
Applications open Monday 19 August 2024
Applications close Tuesday 8 October at 11:59pm
For activity occurring between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Helpmann Academy (08) 7089 0720 / info@helpmannacademy.com.au
Image: Brendan Godfrey and crew. Supplied.