The arts and technology are merging through a creative development program on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Council Creative Director Megan Rowland said the intersection of art and technology presented extraordinary opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Ms Rowland said the concept was at the heart of Council’s FutureNow: In and of a Place program.
She said artists and creative technologists were invited to apply for a five-month creative development program supporting experimentation, collaboration and growth within the sector.
“Applications from diverse creative disciplines, including performing artists, projection artists, coders, software developers, makers, designers, and visual artists are encouraged.
“Over five months, participants will engage in hands-on workshops, forums and an intensive weekend program facilitated by industry leaders in the arts and technology space.”
Ms Rowland said Council provided access to equipment, industry mentors and peers, alongside a $2000 stipend to help artists and technologists develop an existing idea or experiment with new approaches.
“At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their projects for further development and potential presentation at festivals across Australia.
“Initiatives like this are essential for fostering innovation and supporting the cultural growth of our region.”
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the program was designed to support and expand the region’s arts scene.
“FutureNow aims to position the Sunshine Coast as a connected and competitive contender in this emergent creative space, build capacity within the local sector and create new networks across Queensland and Australia,” Cr Law said.
“Participants will explore new modes of arts practice, engagement and presentation in a regional context.”
He said the opportunity was open to Sunshine Coast-based individual artists, or collectives, with a contemporary arts or creative technologist practice and a curiosity for playing with emergent technologies.
Expressions of interest for the program close January 27 with successful applications announced February 3.
