Six Central Coast Conservatorium of Music students and alumni have received grants from Bouddi Foundation of the Arts to help further their musical endeavours.
In an inspiring celebration on Sunday, 10 November, 42 young artists from the Central Coast received grants ranging from $500 to $5000 at the annual Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Showcase Awards Day at Wagstaffe Hall, including Central Coast Con students Emma Deed (flute), Kaito Deed (violin), Mitchell Frith (French horn) and Minjy Lee (violin), former students Xavier Cardozo (bassoon) and Mia Cross (vocal) and strings tutor and assistant conductor Suzie Kim (viola).
The Foundation, championing young talent on the coast since 2011, awarded $78,600 this year, empowering these emerging young artists to pursue their dreams.
Chairman, acclaimed actor and director John Bell AO, OBE, FRSN, led the presentation, setting the stage for an afternoon of song, dance, and even jaw- dropping acrobatics as ten grantees showcased their talents.
Bell shared his admiration for the artistic talent flourishing on the Central Coast: “Every year, I am astonished at the depth of talent among young people from the Central Coast,” he said. “And 2024 is no exception. Indeed, the level of artistry displayed seems to be improving despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the arts across Australia and the world.”
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 273 grants, totaling over $540,000. This year’s 42 grants cover a dazzling array of artistic pursuits—from classical and contemporary dance to music, singing, and songwriting, acting, theatrical design, filmmaking, writing, visual arts, tap dancing, circus acrobatics and more.
Winners were chosen from 92 applicants this year, with 54 finalists auditioning before panels of industry experts. Mentoring, no-cost studio time, and coaching are also selectively provided.
This year, 44 per cent of grants support young Central Coast artists facing economic, social or cultural challenges, and 5 per cent are awarded to indigenous artists. In its 14 years, the Foundation has helped the careers of 19 indigenous artist recipients.
Applications for next year’s grants open in March/April 2025, inviting the next wave of young Central Coast’s aspiring artists to pursue their creative passions with support from the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts.
Central Coast Conservatorium of Music grant recipients:
- Xavier Cardozo (bassoon) – Lynden Gallagher Award
- Mia Cross (vocal) – Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Award
- Emma Deed (flute) – John Lamble Foundation Award
- Kaito Deed (violin) – Casey Family Award
- Mitchell Frith (French horn) – Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Award
- Suzie Kim (viola) – Coles Danzinger Award
- Minjy Lee (violin) – John Lamble Foundation Award
To learn more about the Foundation go to bouddiarts.org.au
