Hey future artists and performers! Ready to turn your creative passion into a funded career? If you’re an aspiring visual or performing arts student in Australia, listen up! The Mackay Regional Council is offering fantastic bursary opportunities for 2025, designed to help you pursue your dreams without the financial stress.
These bursaries — the Rick Wood Bursary, the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, and the MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary — are here to give talented young individuals the boost they need to excel in tertiary arts education. Let’s dive into what these amazing opportunities are all about!
The Mackay Regional Council Arts Bursaries are a set of awards created to champion young talent in the visual and performing arts. These bursaries aim to lighten the financial load for students in Australia who are bravely pursuing their creative callings through tertiary education.
Specifically, we’re talking about three incredible opportunities, all provided in Australian Dollars (AUD):
- The Rick Wood Bursary: This AUD 1,000 bursary is for high school leavers eager to continue their visual arts studies at university. It can cover everything from tuition fees and textbooks to essential equipment and other study-related expenses.
- The Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary: Valued at AUD 3,000, this bursary is perfect for students in their final years of tertiary education who want to undertake special projects or study opportunities. Think international study trips with expert tutors or funding for major exhibitions – past recipients have done amazing things with it!
- The Jack Sturgeon Bursary: Also AUD 3,000, this one is sponsored by the Friends of the MECC and is open to performing arts students. Whether you dream of being on stage or working behind the scenes in directing or production, if you’ve been accepted into a tertiary performing arts program, this could be for you!
Who Can Apply?
Alright, so you’re probably wondering if you fit the bill! Here’s a quick rundown of who should definitely throw their hat in the ring for these awesome bursaries. Remember, these bursaries are specifically for students within the **Mackay Regional Council region in Australia** who are pursuing tertiary education in the arts.
- For the Rick Wood Bursary: You need to be a graduating high school student planning to continue your visual arts studies at university.
- For the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary: This one is for students who are already in their final years of tertiary education and looking to enrich their studies with special projects or unique opportunities.
- For the Jack Sturgeon Bursary: If you’re an aspiring performing artist (whether you’re on stage or dreaming of a career in directing, production, or other behind-the-scenes roles) and have been accepted into a tertiary performing arts program, this bursary is for you!
What Does It Cover?
These bursaries are designed to give you a financial helping hand, covering various costs associated with your arts education. The specific coverage depends on the bursary you apply for:
- The Rick Wood Bursary (AUD 1,000) can be used for a range of educational expenses, including tuition fees, essential textbooks, art equipment, and other costs required for your visual arts studies at university.
- The Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary (AUD 3,000) provides funding for more advanced projects and study opportunities. Think funding a unique study-abroad program, collaborating with expert tutors, or even staging your own major exhibition or showcase!
- The Jack Sturgeon Bursary (AUD 3,000) helps alleviate the financial pressures of undertaking tertiary studies in any aspect of the performing arts, from tuition to other related costs that support your journey from aspiring talent to a professional in the field.
How to Apply?
Feeling inspired? Ready to get your application in? Here’s what you need to know to apply:
Applications for all three bursaries are **NOW OPEN!** So don’t procrastinate – get your application in as soon as possible.
The **closing date for all applications is Friday, 7 November 2025.** Make sure you submit everything well before this deadline to be considered.
Recipients for all bursaries will be announced in December 2025, just in time to celebrate your achievements!
To find the official application forms and detailed instructions, visit the official Mackay Regional Council website.
Official application link: Mackay Regional Council Bursaries Page
If pursuing your artistic dreams with financial support sounds like the perfect next step for you, then don’t hesitate! These bursaries offer a fantastic opportunity to further your education in visual or performing arts. Apply now, and explore even more bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room for funding your future!
