Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship applications now open

Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) is inviting young artists who live or work in the Hunter Valley to apply for the Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship, now in its 20th year.

Founded by former Deputy Mayor of Maitland Vicki Woods and her husband Bruce Woods in memory of their friend Brenda Clouten, the scholarship will support two artists aged 35 years or under to undertake a program of professional development through study, travel, research or studio support.

Applicants will need to demonstrate their current and recent art practice and outline how they will use the scholarship to develop their practice.

The scholarship recipients will be announced at a launch event in March, with the winner awarded a $5,000 cash prize, and the runner up $3,000.

Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien says, ‘this scholarship has been showcasing artistic talent from across the Hunter Valley for 20 years and has given a long list of alumni the opportunity to head off on exciting adventures and expand their practice.’

‘Our 2022 recipient, ceramicist Holly Macdonald, will soon be jetting off to Scotland to research her family heritage and participate in a four week group residency program.’

Finalists of the scholarship will exhibit current work in the Brenda Clouten Memorial Exhibition, which will be on display at MRAG from 22 March to 15 June 2025.

Applications for the Brenda Clouten Memorial Art Scholarship close at 5.00pm on Friday 25 October. For more information and to submit your application, visit mait.city/BCMAScholarship.