Government supports cutting edge electronic art projects

29/9/03
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for new Western Australian art projects using emerging technologies, Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced today.
The grants program, known as BEAP WORKS, are designed to cultivate the creation and production of electronic or biological art works by local artists.
A total of $50,000 in funding grants will be available, with a maximum of $10,000 per project.
The program will be administered by BEAP - the Biennale of Electronic Arts Perth, with funding provided by the State Government through ArtsWA.
BEAP is dedicated to the research, development, production and promotion of experimental electronic and biological arts.
Electronic and biological art explores the juncture between art, science and technology.
An example of the international success of this artform is the recent New York exhibition by WA electronic art exponents. One of the projects used the brain neurons of a rat transmitted through the Internet to automate a robotic arm.
In announcing the new grants program, Ms McHale said WA had a growing international reputation for electronic and biological art.
"The success of the inaugural BEAP 2002 demonstrated the enormous potential of this emerging artform," she said.
"The event received significant international critical acclaim and, after the Perth International Arts Festival, is WA's most important national and international arts event.
"The new funding will support artists with original research and development projects - it is part of the Government's commitment to building a vibrant, cutting edge arts community."
Project applications should be based on the theme of SameDifference.
Applications close on December 12.
The proposals will be assessed by the BEAP curatorial committee and members of MediaSpace Perth Inc.
For more details, visit BEAP's website at http://www.beap.org
Minister's office: 9213 6900