6 December 2023
The Elevate Mentorship program is one of Helpmann’s longest running programs and continues to provide specialist professional development to emerging creatives. In the second and final round for 2023, the Helpmann Academy has awarded six emerging creatives across a range of creative disciplines with tailored mentorships valued up to $3,000 each.
Presented by Commonwealth Private and supported through a giving circle of key philanthropic patrons, the Elevate Mentorship program matches graduates with established professionals to undertake specifically designed mentorship programs. The program aims to enable career development through further learning, development of skills, advice, and networking at a time of transition.
Since 2002, we have has facilitated over 200 mentorships for South Australian emerging artists. Congratulations to the following Helpmann Academy Elevate Mentorship recipients!
Alice Hu (University of South Australia graduate) is an emerging visual artist. Her works are often philosophy-based, working across mediums such as ceramics, painting, glass, tattoos and installation. Alice’s work focus on concepts of multiculturalism, equality and freedom of choice. Alice will undertake a mentorship with Raphael Garcia, who is a skilled 3D printing expert, designer and entrepreneur. Through this experience Alice hopes to expand her technical skills and artistic capabilities.
Ellis Moseley’s (Flinders University graduate) practice encompasses installation and ceramics, often seeking to draw attention to social concerns through conceptual mechanisms that encourage a deeper consideration of our own attitudes and behaviour. Ellis will embark on a mentorship with ceramicist Bruce Nuske, who is renowned for his exceptional skill with porcelain clay. Ellis is looking to advance his technical and conceptual skills and gain a greater understanding of how to access international art dealers through this mentoring experience.
Gemma Salomon (Flinders University graduate) is the founder of Whisper Tree Productions – a new femme-focussed, intersectional genre film and TV house based in South Australia. In 2023, she was the recipient of the Helpmann Academy Creative Innovator Program major seed funding and plans to grow her business in 2024. Gemma will bring a team of four mentors together that have distinct skills and experience within the film industry – Writer/Director: Molly Reynolds, Writer/Director: Maddie Parry, Producer: Rebecca Elliot and Senior Manager at Perks Sanja Hiziak.
“As I embark on my creative business venture – Whisper Tree Productions – I am reminded that no one succeeds alone. Mentors are important sounding boards. They provide experience, support problem solving, and bring new perspectives. Most importantly they help build confidence.”
Gemma Salomon
Jack Overall (University of Adelaide graduate) is an emerging cellist who completed a Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance) – First Class Honours. Even though Jack studied classical music he regularly attended jazz improvisation classes and performs with a prog/folk/jazz ensemble. Jack will undertake a mentorship with composer, song-writer, arranger, pianist and musical director Mark Simeon Ferguson and jazz violinist Julian Ferraretto. These mentorships will support his composition project – A Place to Call Home – new collaborative work for the Nexus Arts Orchestra.
Julia Vosnakis (Flinders University graduate) is an emerging writer, director and producer. Julia aims to engage in projects that broaden her artistic horizons, enabling her to create characters and narratives that inspire young ethnic women and break the stereotype of being confined to roles solely based on their heritage. Julia will undertake a mentorship with Bina Bhattacharya, the creative head of Gemme de La Femme Pictures where she is a producer, writer and director.
Luke Wiltshire (Flinders University graduate) is an emerging writer and actor with an incredibly strong passion for queer artwork and queer stories. In early 2024 Luke will commence a playwriting development mentorship with playwright Emily Steel. The opportunity will focus on the further development of Luke’s script Squid.
If you’re looking to expand your practice, consider applying for an Helpmann Academy Elevate Mentorship in 2024.
The Elevate Mentorship Program is presented by Commonwealth Private as Major Partner & Program Champion, supported through a giving circle of philanthropic patrons and the Government of South Australia through Arts South Australia.
Images: (1) Alice Hu, Black sheep #1. Image courtesy of the artist. (2) Ellis Moseley, your left. Photo by Michael Haines (3) Gemma Salomon, still from Future Eaters. Supplied. (4) Jack Overall. Supplied. (5) Julia Vosnakis, still from her showreel. Supplied. (6) Luke Wiltshire, supplied.