RACV supports visual artists with eight grants

RACV has announced eight recipients of its Victorian Visual Arts Grants program. The program is a one-off response to support Victorian artists impacted by COVID-19. Each artist will be awarded a $10,000 grant. 

The eight grant recipients are Louise Forthun, Jacob Raupach, Gabrielle Hall-Lomax, Soyoun Kim, Nick Heynsbergh, Kathryn Ryan, Sam Burke and Ashe. 

RACV Head of Visual Arts, Mardi Nowak said the number and quality of submissions showed just how significantly COVID-19 had impacted the Victorian arts community. 

“We’re so pleased to support such a wonderful mix of emerging and established artists from Melbourne and regional Victoria,” Ms Nowak said. 

“Reading through the submissions gave us a clear picture of the impact that COVID-19 has had on the visual arts sector – not just from a financial point of view, but also on the mental wellbeing of our artists. 

“We’re excited to be able to include eight artists in the program and share their stories and work in coming months, with fantastic exhibition opportunities.” 

A total of 129 Victorian artists applied for a grant where they were asked to elaborate on three questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their work and what the RACV grant would mean for their future projects.  

Melbourne-based artist Jacob Raupach detailed the impact of COVID-19 on his work and the importance of receiving the RACV grant. 

“The unintended fallout from the pandemic included loss of work and income, the ongoing closure of my studio due to restrictions and a lack of motivation and intention to make art,” said Mr. Raupach. 

“This grant will provide a much-needed boost, both morally and financially, to my practice.” 

RACV will formally introduce the grant recipients and their art projects in early 2022.