Artists aged 26 and under whose practice has been impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown are eligible for a grant of up to $2,500.

Youth arts organisation Carclew has announced it will replace its September round of Project & Development Grants with new Rapid Response Grants.

The grants are available to artists aged 26 and under who have had contracts, performances, tours or exhibitions cancelled or postponed as a result of the coronavirus shutdown.

Applications are open now, with up to $2,500 made available for each successful applicant.

The funding is designed to support artists working to redesign a project, deepen their practice, or extend their professional skills and knowledge.

It is Carclew’s intention that by giving young artists access to the Rapid Response Grants program, each successful applicant might come out of the COVID-19 crisis with a stronger arts practice.

“The Rapid Response Grants offer financial relief for many artists struggling to keep their practice alive during these difficult times,” said Carclew’s chief executive, Tricia Walton.

“Artists might choose to utilise this funding for an unplanned sabbatical or incubator to develop work while isolated from others. Alternatively, the grant could be used to support artists to explore the possibilities of presenting their work online, expanding their audience.

“We want to support early career artists who have had their plans impacted by the current restrictions.”

Applications for Carclew’s Rapid Response Grants close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 30 April, applicants will be notified of the outcome on Thursday, 7 May, and projects must be completed by 30 June 2021.

Find more information here.

South Australia arts organisation Guildhouse has also launched a call out for applications for its annual Guildhouse Fellowship, awarded to South Australian mid-career visual artists, craftspeople or designers.

The Fellowship, which is valued at $50,000, is supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation and is presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA).

“The Fellowship is of national importance – providing South Australian artists with a pivotal opportunity to accelerate and expand their practice,” says Lisa Slade, assistant director at AGSA.

Applications for The Guildhouse Fellowship are open now and close Monday, 20 July. Find more information here.