March 2, 2023 Image credit: Clarissa Mei, Jonny Hawkins, Juan Villamor, SOLLYY. Photograph by Nathan Angelis.
Three talented NSW emerging musicians have been selected to receive the Generations Fellowship offered by Powerhouse in partnership with Create NSW and Australian music management and touring company Astral People.
Valued at $150,000 through cash and in-kind assistance, the Generations Fellowship will support Western Sydney artists Clarissa Bock (‘Clarissa Mei’) and Solomon Toala (‘SOLLYY’), and Inner West artists Jonny Hawkins and Juan Villamor who perform together as ‘700 Feel’, with six month’s professional development.
The successful fellows will each receive $25,000 in financial support and $25,000 in-kind support, including access to studio space at Powerhouse Ultimo, industry mentoring and networking facilitated by Astral People.
Create NSW Chief Executive Annette Pitman said the fellowship, now in its third year, provides an important career pathway for NSW emerging musicians by connecting them with established industry experts and mentors, and building intergenerational knowledge.
“This investment in the next generation of creative talent provides early career artists the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the music industry under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts. This career-defining fellowship equips the recipients with skills, industry insights and experience to propel their careers to new heights,” Ms Pitman said.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, “Powerhouse is thrilled to be supporting the careers of NSW artists through programs such as the Generations Fellowship. Congratulations to Clarissa Mei, SOLLYY and 700 Feel – we look forward to welcoming you to the Powerhouse.”
Astral People co-founder and director Tom Huggett added, “We’re very happy to be heading into our third year of the Generations Fellowship. We feel so much potential in 700 Feel, Clarissa Mei and SOLLYY and we’re excited to get them working with our entire Astral People team for 2023. All three artists have distinct sounds which really represent where Sydney is heading!”
The Generations Fellowship program is made possible through funding from Create NSW and the Powerhouse Museum and supported by Astral People.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Clio Ellis | Powerhouse
clio.ellis@maas.museum | 0450 492 745
Ros Richardson | Create NSW
ros.richardson@create.nsw.gov.au | 0438 518 548
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse in Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to Powerhouse collections.
About Create NSW
Create NSW is the NSW Government’s arts and cultural driver, which brings together arts, screen and culture functions in an integrated entity. The agency forms part of the Arts, Sport and Tourism Group within the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and is responsible for furthering Government’s vision for NSW to be known for its bold and exciting arts and culture that engages the community and reflects the state’s rich diversity. Create NSW invests in the success and future of arts, screen and culture in NSW through infrastructure and funding programs.