The Australia Council for the Arts will shortly be announcing details of the Australian Government’s new ArtStart initiative.
ArtStart will provide grants of $10,000 to recent arts training graduates as a contribution towards the costs of establishing a practice as a professional artist.

The program will be a jump-start for artists early in their careers, assisting them to earn income or gain employment from their arts practice.

'This program will kick-start the careers of hundreds of artists who have recently graduated from arts courses at tertiary institutions. We are very excited to offer this opportunity to newly graduated artists and encourage applications from all the artform areas,' said Kathy Keele, Chief Executive Officer of the Australia Council.

Program details are still in development so please check back regularly for further information.

Australia Council anticipates offering a first closing date for ArtStart grants in early October 2009.

http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/news/news_items/australia_council_announces_artstart_initiative