Creative Australia invests in career defining commissions for visual artists

Creative Australia

Fifteen artists will receive investment through the Visual Arts, Craft and Design Framework (VADF, formerly VACS) Major Commissioning Projects program, which supports the creation of new large scale ambitious works for national and international audiences.

The investment will support the production of compelling works that will be showcased at a variety of venues ranging from regional galleries in Australia to major international biennales.

Among the outcomes, it will support Trawlwoolway and Laremairremener artist Mandy Quadrio for a significant solo show at the Institute of Modern Art and Megan Cope, a Quandamooka artist, who will present at the Sharjah Biennial 2025 in the United Arab Emirates.

Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette AM said:

“This important investment will support the realisation of visionary works, enabling artists to undertake bold projects, push creative boundaries and bring their ambitions to fruition. It is a significant investment in the visual arts.”

The Visual Arts, Craft & Design Framework is delivered in partnership with state and territory governments, with the aim of providing stability to Australia’s visual arts and craft sector. Each year grants are allocated to each state or territory based on population spread, ensuring balanced support across the country.

The latest recipients are:

Tamara Henderson (ACT)

Shireen Taweel (NSW)

Spence Messih (NSW)

Shivanjani Lal (NSW)

Zanny Begg (NSW)

Franck Gohier (NT)

Megan Cope (QLD)

Mandy Quadrio (QLD)

Man Cheung (QLD)

Sandra Pumani (SA)

Lauren Kronemyer (TAS)

Abdul-Rahman Abdullah (WA)

Rose Nolan (VIC)

Kent Morris (VIC)

Fotini Stefanou (VIC)

All applications were peer assessed by a panel of industry experts against set criteria including Quality, Viability and Creation of New Work.

/Public Release.