The intersection of art and technology presents extraordinary opportunities for innovation and creativity, a concept at the heart of Sunshine Coast Council’s FutureNow: In and of a Place program.
Artists and creative technologists are invited to apply for a five-month creative development program supporting experimentation, collaboration and growth within the vibrant and evolving arts and technology sector.
Expressions of interest for the program close 27 January with successful applications announced 3 February.
Sunshine Coast Council Creative Director Megan Rowland said applications from diverse creative disciplines, including performing artists, projection artists, coders, software developers, makers, designers, and visual artists were being encouraged.
“Over five months, participants will engage in hands-on workshops, forums and an intensive weekend program facilitated by industry leaders in the arts and technology space,” Megan said.
“We’re providing access to equipment, industry mentors and peers, alongside a $2000 stipend to help artists and technologists develop an existing idea or experiment with new approaches.
“At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their projects for further development and potential presentation at festivals across Australia.
“Initiatives like this are essential for fostering innovation and supporting the cultural growth of our region.
“If we want to enjoy a thriving arts community here on the Sunshine Coast, we need to nurture creativity and explore new ways of making and experiencing art.”
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the program was designed to support and expand the region’s arts scene.
“FutureNow aims to position the Sunshine Coast as a connected and competitive contender in this emergent creative space, build capacity within the local sector and create new networks across Queensland and Australia,” Cr Law said.
“Participants will explore new modes of arts practice, engagement and presentation in a regional context.”
This opportunity is open to Sunshine Coast-based individual artists, or collectives, with a contemporary arts or creative technologist practice and a curiosity for playing with emergent technologies.
FutureNow: In and of a Place is part of Council’s FutureNOW Program, launched in 2024 and designed and delivered in collaboration with the creative sector.
FutureNOW encourages artists, technologists and audiences to investigate the intersections of art and technology, with a focus on the Sunshine Coast.
The impressive group of artists and technologists that participated in 2024 includes Alison Mooney, Amanda Bennetts, Ben Tupas, Finley Wegner, Kellie O’Dempsey, Melissa Stannard, Nicole Voevodin-Cash and Ruby Donohoe.
FutureNOW is aligned with key strategic documents such as the Australia Council Digital Culture Strategy, Queensland Government Grow 2022 – 26 and the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2018 – 2038.
For more information or to apply, visit Council’s website
