Bursary funds Indian journey of textile discovery

He owes that journey of textile discovery to the Artspace Mackay Foundation’s $4000 Hands-On Bursary, which he received in February this year.

Tristan said he was lucky enough to be sponsored by a hand-weaving textile mill in Kullu in the far north of India.

“The opportunity to travel to India and broaden my research and studies globally was incredible,” Tristan said.

“I realised on this research trip that one of my passions is working with skilled textile artisans in a dialogue between centuries-old traditions and contemporary ideas,” he said.

“Only with the aid of the Hands-On Bursary and the recognition of the Artspace Mackay Foundation was I able to realise this passion and it will now be something I continue to develop in my work looking forward.

“Since receiving the bursary, I have been very fortunate to be offered a position at a fashion brand in the UK, which I work remotely for from Australia at the moment and on completion of my studies will relocate to London for the position.”

Applications are now open for the 2020 Hands-On Bursary.

Local students aged 17 to 25 years old who wish to pursue a career in any aspect of the visual arts or creative industry are encouraged to apply.

Tristian’s advice for applicants is to be concise with the presentation of your work.

“But really make sure that it is a body of work which showcases a range of skills and creative pursuits,” he said.

Through the bursary, Artspace Mackay Foundation is seeking applicants who demonstrate the same enthusiasm and dedication to succeed in their chosen field as master potter Rick Wood, whom the bursary honours.

President of the Foundation Julie Boyd said the substantial funding was proposed to help local university students take advantage of opportunities that might have otherwise been beyond their financial means.

“We have seen previous bursary winners put their grant towards university needs including textbooks, tuition fees and overseas study opportunities,” Ms Boyd said.

“However, $4000 opens many more doors for students, and we are very pleased to be able to provide that support,” she said.

All young artists interested in applying for the bursary must provide the foundation with a letter outlining why they should be considered, a resume of artistic achievements and a USB memory stick containing a maximum of 10 images of their works.

Applications close on Monday, January 20, 2020, with the successful applicant announced in early February 2020.

Applicants must be local residents who are either currently studying, or have applied to study, a recognised arts tertiary course in 2020.

For further information, contact Artspace Mackay Foundation executive officer Melissa Broadhurst on 4951 2299 or email artspacefoundation@mackay.qld.gov.au

About Tristan Kane

The 2019 Hands-On recipient, Tristan Kane, is a highly successful and talented creative in the field of fashion and textile design, a former senior art student of Mirani State High School and a rising star. Tristan is currently studying at the University of Technology, Sydney, where,due to his outstanding academic achievements, he was invited to complete his fourth and final Honours year of a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles. Tristan has completed several internships and worked for Sydney and Paris-based fashion house Ellery. He currently works for London-based fashion design house The Vampires Wife.