Two new State Partners for JUMP

On 17 August, Youth Arts Queensland (YAQ) announced CarriageWorks and Melbourne Fringe as its new state partners in the delivery of JUMP, the national mentoring program for young and emerging artists.

JUMP, funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, and managed nationally by YAQ, identifies and promotes excellence in artistic practice. As Australia’s largest artist mentoring program, JUMP supports young artists across a wide range of artforms to develop a one-on-one relationship with an industry leader of their choice, to work with them on a creative project.

CarriageWorks in NSW and Melbourne Fringe in VIC, join inaugural state delivery partners Carclew Youth Arts in SA and Propel Youth Arts WA, to respond to the local needs of program applicants and support quality 10-month mentorship experiences.

“With our second application round opening soon, this is an exciting stage in the development of the JUMP program,” said YAQ CEO Julie Woodward. “Through our state partnerships, we can readily provide day to day support to artists and mentors nationwide, and significantly expand their access to national industry networks.”

CarriageWorks is Sydney’s newest home for contemporary arts and culture. Built on a vision of a vibrant cultural life for audiences and artists, CarriageWorks is a unique hub for the development of new work and artistic endeavour. It’s a place where artists are able to conceive, develop and present their work in an inspiring and creative atmosphere.

“JUMP is a great way for CarriageWorks to connect with young artists,” said Executive Producer Jamie Dawson. “This program is important as it offers us another way to actively support talented and innovative contemporary artists in becoming arts industry leaders of the future.”

Melbourne Fringe is Victoria’s leading organisation and resource for the independent arts. It is constantly evolving to meet the current needs of this community and provides the best possible support, professional development, advocacy and presentation opportunities.

“We are thrilled to be extending our support of Victorian artists through this national program which focuses on excellence and diversity,” said Esther Anatolitis, General Manager (CEO) of Melbourne Fringe. “JUMP offers us a broader scope for creative development to the benefit of our extraordinary young, independent artists.”

In the lead up to 2011 JUMP applications opening on 30 August, first round mentee profiles can be found at the website.

JUMP, the National Mentoring Program for Young and Emerging Artists, is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, through the Opportunities for Young and Emerging Artists initiative. JUMP is managed nationally by Youth Arts Queensland in collaboration with State Delivery Partners.