Independent Queensland artists and companies are once again invited to apply for Fresh Ground, the artist-in-residency program designed to grow artists and new work at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Brisbane.

Successful applicants will undertake short-term creative development residencies in early to mid 2011, with up to $10,000 in space, expertise and equipment to develop, create and rehearse new projects across a range of genres.

The recent call-for-submissions marks the third round of Fresh Ground, which, over the past year, has provided short- term residencies for 12 artists across music, theatre, circus, dance, writing, visual and multi-disciplinary arts.

Founder of new dance theatre company Kurunpa Live Arts, 25-year-old Andrea Jenkins, says her recently completed residency for The RoCK, the company’s debut creation, was an “invaluable and amazing experience” that helped her secure a two-week season in Melbourne.

“Fresh Ground gave me two solid weeks of in-kind space and technical support so I could focus on creating a new dance theatre work that explores the urban myth surrounding Lindy and Azaria Chamberlain."

"I’ve only just started Kurunpa Live Arts and have strong ideas of what I want the company to achieve; that is, to strengthen Australian identity through Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships and our connection to place."

"However, I don’t always know how to get there - Fresh Ground gave me the tools I needed to explore an expression for my company, build the core company and determine the way we want to work."

Other Fresh Ground alumni include the music collaboration SuperCritical Mass, which has received interest from London, and Jerusalem-born composer/pianist Yitzhak Yedid who, with nine internationally released albums under his belt, spent his residency working on music for a future album.

Judith Wright Centre Director Ruth Hodgman says Fresh Ground is designed to empower artists, connect with audiences and explore new territory.

“The aim of Fresh Ground is to give Queensland-based artists the opportunity to research, develop and create new work in a nurturing, supportive environment. The focus is on projects that have the potential to inspire and connect with audiences, and expand and challenge ideas about arts processes, practices and directions."

“Fresh Ground gives an initial start to take an idea into the rehearsal room to firstly see if it works, then to explore its scope or move in a different direction if necessary.”

Fresh Ground applications are now open and close Friday, 3 December 2010. The application form can be downloaded from www.judithwrightcentre.com.