The Far South Coast Living Artist Project Inc. provides opportunities for Far South Coast visual artists to develop excellence in their practices. The Living Artist achieves this in partnership with local communities as part of its broader goal to raise the regional profile of Art and Artists on the Far South Coast. All funds are raised by the committee or generously donated by patrons.

A number of artists of international repute live and work on the Far South Coast. However, many emerging artists struggle to find the time for concentrated professional development. Artists with potential to become outstanding in their field often reach a critical point where, if assisted and encouraged, are eventually able to support themselves through their art practice.

Previous living artists were

POPPY BENTON (2007) and TANJA RIESE (2009)

The introduction of the Living Artist Scholarship coupled with the well known, prestigious Shirley Hannan Portraiture Prize, now sees the Bega Valley hosting two of Australia’s top art awards. These events add to the Far South Coast's regional Arts Trail which is an important Visitor draw card and economic contributor to the Bega Valley Shire. In the words of Dr. Peter Brain, Executive Director of National Economics: “Research has shown that those regional centres that support diversity and cultural richness are the most socially viable and economically successful.”

The Living Artist is supported by the Australia Cultural Fund of the Australian Business Arts Foundation (allowing tax deductibility for donations) and endorsed by the South East Arts Region (SEAR) and the Bega Valley Shire Council and is a community partner of the
Four Winds Festival and Sculpture on the Edge.

If you would like to donate to this project please download an ABAF donation form

or contact us at:

info(at)livingartist.org.au