State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale recently announced a $40,835 grant to local multi-disciplinary artist Chelle Destefano of North Wonthaggi through the 2022 round of the Creators Fund.

Chelle is among 70 Victorian creatives and creative collectives supported through the largest ever grant pool of almost $2.7 million. 

Ms Destefano will develop a series of performance videos interpreting Auslan poetry into choreographed dances, working under the mentorship of Nina Sanadze. 

Part of the Government’s Creative State strategy, the Creators Fund provides local creatives with a stable income base of up to $50,000 for up to six months, enabling them to undertake research and development, explore new ideas and hone their craft. 

Since its launch in 2017, the Creators Fund has invested almost $6 million directly into the careers of Victorian creatives – from fashion designers, composers and game developers to writers, visual artists and theatre-makers. 

“This Creators Fund enables our much-loved local creatives to innovate, take their career to the next level, and make an even stronger contribution to our creative industries and cultural life – here in Wonthaggi and beyond,”Ms Crugnale said.

The Creators Fund was established as part of the Government’s first Creative State strategy and was extended in the Victorian Budget 2021/22.

For current creative grant opportunities visit: https://creative.vic.gov.au/grants-and-support.

Chelle Destefano is currently installing ‘What I Wish I'd Told You, a major Deaf exhibition in collaboration with Claire Bridge, opening 23rd July at 3 pm and running until 28 August 2022 at Footscray Community Arts Centre. 

To learn more about Ms Destafano’s art and performance practise check out her website: www.chelledestefano.com/ 

To book tickets (free) to Ms Destafano’s exhibition: https://footscrayarts.com/event/what-i-wish-id-told-you/ 

Quotes attributable to State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale