Educational Grants

The Friends of the Arts Foundation Gift Fund was established to help talented, young artists achieve higher levels of skill in their chosen disciplines.

The Gift Fund is a public Fund and was formally launched on the 18^th of December 2006. Since then, the Gift Fund has been supported by private donations, including a very generous bequest from Beverly and Jock McIlwain.

The Friends of the Arts Foundation Gift Fund Management Committee reside over the trust and their goal is provide annual grants to emerging artists on the Gold Coast.
Only Gold Coast residents are eligible to apply,

Entries Open 1st April 2025 Entries Close 30th June 2025.

Notes for Applicants Apply Now

Our 2023 Winners

Chelsea Burton

My name is Chelsea Burton and I am thrilled to share with you an incredible opportunity made possible by the generous grant from Friends of the Arts. This grant is enabling me to embark on an enriching journey to London to immerse myself in the world of Shakespeare, Musical Theatre and all things Arts.

As part of this transformative experience, I will be attending the ICMTAS 2025: 19th International Conference on Musical Theatre, Acting, and Singing. This groundbreaking conference gathers professionals from across the globe to exchange knowledge and insights, making it an unparalleled opportunity for learning and growth in the field of musical theatre.

Additionally, I will be delving into the fundamentals of classic acting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). This esteemed institution is renowned for its commitment to excellence in theatrical training, and I am eager to absorb the invaluable lessons offered through their program.

One of the highlights of my journey will be learning from renowned teachers such as Patsy Rodenburg. Patsy’s expertise in Shakespearean performance is unparalleled, and her unique methodology, which combines principles from classical theatrical texts with a focus on the body, breath, and voice, promises to deepen my understanding and practice of the craft. Her teachings not only enhance vocal and physical presence but also have a profound impact on personal and professional development.

I am deeply grateful to Friends of the Arts for their support in making this transformative journey possible. I look forward to sharing the knowledge and insights gained from this experience with you all upon my return.

Isabella Connolly

In mid-2023, dancer Isabella Connolly was accepted into the Area Jeune Ballet, a junior company in Geneva, Switzerland. She then relocated to Switzerland in late August to begin the program. The grant significantly helped by covering tuition costs at the school. Isabella feels incredibly fortunate to train in such exceptional facilities daily.

Currently, in her first year, the focus has been on extensive training with the program’s faculty to grasp the company’s style and repertoire. In the coming year, however, the company will collaborate with renowned and emerging choreographers with diverse repertoires. Isabella will have the chance to perform these pieces alongside her peers at festivals and on national and international stages.

Isabella is very excited for the future and would like to express her gratitude to the Friends of the Arts for their support, which allows her to continue this journey. The cost of living in Switzerland has proven quite challenging, and the grant’s generosity has been instrumental in covering essential study-related expenses. Isabella is thoroughly enjoying their time there and reiterates their appreciation for all the support.

Image Courtesy of Stephan Bollinger

Kadelle Smith

Meet ballet dancer, Kadelle Smith. Kadelle is currently 16 years old, and trains full-time in classical ballet at Académie Princesse Grace in Monaco.

Kadelle joined APG in September 2022 after receiving the offer to attend the prestigious Académie Princesse Grace in their elite training program. The ballet dancer was overjoyed at this tremendous opportunity as APG has a maximum of 40 students and boasts a 100% company placement rate for their graduating students.

“It was my dream to attend this wonderful school and Friends of the Arts Foundation has helped to make this dream a reality for me. I am very grateful for the support of the Foundation and as the only Australian at APG, I continue to strive to be a wonderful ambassador for the Gold Coast and Australia.”

Kadelle will continue to train at APG for the next 3-4 years before she hopse to join a company in Europe or the USA.

Mikayla Stebbing

In 2023, Mikayla attended the Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive in New York City with ASE Global Bridges.

Following her attendance to the Summer Intensive, Mikayla was offered year-round study placement with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia.

Mikayla has been offered a scholarship to return to New York City in July 2024, to attend the John Cranko Summer Intensive, with ASE Global Bridges.

Mikayla is preparing to sit her Solo Seal Exam in 2024 amongst many exciting ventures, and is looking forward to the year ahead!

“I am extremely grateful for the support of the Friends of the Arts Foundation, their support has assisted me to fund the next steps to achieving my goals! I would like to thank everyone involved. I am delighted to update you on my journey!”

Our 2022 Winners

Eden Yelland

Eden Yelland is a young dancer who has had a wonderful start to 2023. This year Eden begins training at Atelier Australia where she will receive professional and personalised training to further her technique.

The grant money we gifted Eden helped her participate in the week-long Brisbane International Contemporary Prix which is held annually and provides dancers with the opportunity to learn and be mentored by prestigious Australian and International teachers and directors from many different schools and companies.

After five days of classes, information session and interviews, each dancer has the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Dancers are to present a rehearsed solo and also a piece that they have produced during the week. Eden enjoyed every moment and was very fortunate to receive a week’s secondment and acceptance to WAAPA in Perth and a week’s secondment and invitation to audition to Rambert in the UK. Eden will travel to the UK in mid-February to attend her week’s scholarship to Rambert.

Eden says, “I am very grateful for your assistance with the grant and the opportunity for me to continue to pursue my dream as a professional dancer.”

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Delilah

Delilah is our youngest Educational Grant winner and like her teachers, we believe she potential for a great career in music. Along with being a high-achieving Pianist, Delilah is also pursuing a course in the Theory of Music and has also begun singing as a result of her piano playing.

Delilah’s mother says, “Delilah still loves everything Music, Singing, Drama & Dance and she hopes to continue her dreams of Performing in all aspects of The Arts. She is always in her room writing songs and now writing them with the Piano since starting to learn more about Piano accompaniment.”

Delilah’s highlights for 2022 include, but are not limited to:

A, A+ & B in all results in her first Piano assessment
Performed in her first Singing Show
Multiple awards for Solo Drama Eisteddfod’s including Most entertaining Performer Award presented by a member of Parliament, Star Quality Award, Outstanding Entertainer Award and multiple Medals and Trophies
Multiple awards for Duo Drama Eisteddfod’s competing well above her
Multiple Dance awards for Solo Eisteddfod’s and Group Eisteddfods
Delilah was awarded twice in the top 5 (all ages) awards at the Academy she attends.
Performed in her first full stage Production

With so many avenues to pursue in 2023, we wish Delilah all the best in each and every one of her artistic endeavours.

Georgia

In 2022 Georgia continued her full time ballet training with Classical Coaching Australia and performed in leading roles for the Brisbane City Youth Ballet, most notably dancing the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of OZ at the HOTA in June. In July she headed down to Sydney for the Cecchetti Ballet of Australia ~ Lucie Saranova Memorial Awards where she won 1st place in the Silver Medal category. She was also chosen as one of the 8 Finalists in the Sydney Eisteddfod’s Robert & Elizabeth Albert Junior Classical Ballet Scholarship.

In November, Georgia travelled to Paris to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix and was awarded 3rd place in the Senior Woman’s Classical Ballet Category, where she was the youngest competitor in the final round. Through the YAGP she was also awarded Short Term Scholarships to The Dutch National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, The Zurich Dance Academy in Switzerland and The Mosa Ballet School in Liège, Belgium.

In October, she sat her Intermediate and Advanced 1 exam for the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and received High Distinctions in both levels. She was also invited to the Australian Ballet School Finals and was accepted into their Invitee Program for 2023.

For 2023, Georgia looks forward to dancing the role of Cinderella in the Brisbane City Youth Ballet’s production of Cinderella at the Conservatorium Theatre at Southbank. She is also hoping to travel again to Europe so she can take up the three short term scholarships that she was awarded in Paris in 2022.

Georgia is very grateful for the generous support given to her from the Friends of the Arts Foundation which has both helped to further her ballet training here in Australia and take up Scholarship opportunities over in Europe.

Robert

Currently, Robert is in Adelaide leading the Bishop Orchestra as concertmaster in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp Program. It’s been a very busy week with orchestral rehearsals, chamber rehearsals and professional development activities and there’s still one more week to go for Robert.

This is his fifth national music camp and he has always found the program to be an extremely unique and rewarding opportunity for young musicians. The Gold Coast Friends of the Arts Award has given me the ability to plan my audition and lesson tour to Europe with more confidence. This means so much to me as my dream is to one day work and study in Europe in the near future.

Baylie Smith

2022 was a big year for Friends of the Arts Foundation Gift Fund Scholarship winner and young ballet dancer, Baylie Smith. In 2022, Baylie was the Senior Bursary and 15 Years Age Champion of the Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod. Baylie was also a Finalist in the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge Senior Ballet Scholarship and Senior Contemporary Scholarships 2022. Baylie was then awarded Runner Up in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Senior Classical Repertoire.

Last year Baylie travelled to Toronto to attend the final audition at Canada’s National Ballet School. On her return to Australia, she received the news her audition was successful and has since relocated to Canada and commenced training in September 2022.

Most recently Baylie has performed in Jera Wolfe’s Arise at the Fall for Dance North Festival.

Baylie is currently working towards the Assemblée Internationale (AI) which will be held at Canada’s National Ballet School in April 2023. AI is an Olympic-calibre gathering of pre-professional dancers and artistic directors from training schools and organisations around the world. AI is a unique and dynamic global event empowering young artists to develop as leaders and create meaningful connections with their peers and Baylie is looking forward to all that the event brings.

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Josie Cross

Josie Cross is an actor and a recipient of one of our 2022 Friends of the Arts Foundation Gift Fund Scholarships. At the time of Josie’s application, she was looking to add to her repertoire with a stunt training course. Due to timing and a conversation she had with our President Ian Kenedy, Josie embarked on a journey to produce and perform in a play.

Josie says, “I am incredibly proud to share with you that I am producing and performing in a two hander play – a QLD PREMIERE – Sexual Misconduct of The Middle Classes – a play by Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch.

The production is playing at Metro Arts Theatre in Brisbane from the 15th-18th Feb and you can buy tickets to it here: https://metroarts.com.au/event/sexual-misconduct-of-the-middle-classes/.

Josie is thankful for the support of the Gift Fund and is thrilled that with their help she can further develop in her acting career.

Sara Donnelly

“My name is Sara Donnelly and I have been fortunate enough to receive a grant from the gift fund of the Friends of the Arts Foundation. This grant has been extremely beneficial in supporting me in my move overseas to undertake my Master of Music at @rncmlive. I am very pleased to update you on my progress whilst continuing my studies in the UK.

I have been lucky enough to work with many esteemed musicians and teachers in the industry through the college. Most importantly, my private singing teacher Eiddwen Harrhy, whom had a wonderful international singing career before beginning her teaching career. Weekly lessons with her are a highlight of my week, as I have a soprano whom I look up to giving me gems of wisdom and advice, whilst advancing me as a musician and singer. Alongside private singing lessons, we get vocal coachings with internal and external professionals. The calibre of coaches is extremely high and has been a fantastic way to also make connections with professionals outside of the college.

Studying at the RNCM we have access to many external opportunities. One I have been grateful to be a part of was a weekend residency at Opera North. An exciting upcoming project I am a part of is the Bernstein Mass being performed at college. I successfully auditioned for the Street Chorus, with a solo. Another upcoming performance will be the Opera Scenes in June. In the meantime, I have many competitions within the college and more potential performance opportunities internally and externally.

Personally, I am extremely grateful for the support of the Friends of the Arts in this big venture. As an international student, the expense of fees and living costs are extremely overwhelming. Your generosity played a big part in helping cover essential costs relating to my studies. I am gaining so much already from this course and have made lifelong friends also. Thank you again for supporting me as an aspiring musician!”

Our 2021 Winners

Neon Fan

Last year Neon Fan was a 2021 Scholarship recipient. Neon was gracious enough to send us an update on what they have been up to in 2022 and their outlook for 2023. We wish Neon all the luck and look forward to hearing more from them.

Currently, Neon is studying a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney majoring in Piano Collaboration where they focus on being able to connect with different artists of a variety of disciplines.

During the year, Neon has had the chance to work with renowned vocalists, fellow cellist, the Conservatorium New Music Ensemble and as part of a touring band with Amy Campbell’s dance show “Leap”.

They have also been awarded The Women’s Club Award for NCW (National Commission for Women) NSW Australia Day Awards 2023 where they will be presented with their award by the Governor of NSW in an event in late January 2023. Neon was nominated by their teacher and the Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium for this award for their excellence in piano collaboration.

Neon’s dream for 2023 is a big one but we know they are more than capable of achieving all of their goals. “2023 will be an interesting year of surprises with many opportunities to come while I work on personal projects and my tertiary studies. I hope I can share my success with you throughout the year with pride. Thank you so much for your support in my studies and future career!”

Mia Beame

Mia Beame is an 18 year old contemporary dancer, born and raised on the Gold Coast, who began her dance journey at the age of 4.

Mia’s training involves a large and versatile array of youth programs such as one season in both Ballet Theatre of Queensland (BTQ) and Byron Ballet and four seasons in the ADC Youth Ensemble and Creative Generation State Schools On Stage Production. In recent years she has dedicated her training to classical ballet studies under the meticulous direction of Heidi Landford at Atelier Australia and contemporary coach Riannon McLean at Australasian Dance Collective (ADC).

Mia continues her training in 2022 at Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) under Edith Cowan University in Perth where she will focus on her passion for contemporary dance studying a Bachelor of Arts in Dance.

Mia acknowledges how lucky she is and appreciates her amazing support system immensely, consisting of her family and teachers as well as the generous support of the Friends of the Arts. Mia cannot express her love of dance enough and hopes to make everyone proud.

Koa Bertossa

Koa Bertossa is a 16-year-old classical ballet dancer from the Gold Coast. Koa is a very talented young dancer who shows great potential in classical ballet. Her teacher Amanda Bollinger from the Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy says, “She has the technique, physique, mentality, determination and passion it takes to be successful in this highly competitive industry.”

Recently Koa received the wonderful news that she has been accepted into the prestigious Tanz Akademie Zurich, Switzerland. Koa will travel to Switzerland by herself to begin a three or four year course to finish and polish her classical training before becoming a professional stage dancer.

“Dance is such a wonderful artform and I’m so happy that I can take the next step in my training at one of the best schools the world has to offer.”

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Ingram Fan

2023 Update

In 2022, Ingram Fan was invited to perform Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor as a soloist with the Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra, and he participated as a first violinist in the Queensland Youth Symphony. Ingram was also invited to participate in three ‘Ensemble Q’ concerts throughout the year.

Last year in July, Ingram started his studies with Michele Walsh at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. So far in 2023, he has taken part in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp (NMC) as a second violinist in Bishop Orchestra conducted by Maestro James Judd and Maestro Umberto Clerici. This is Ingram’s third national music camp.

Ingram looks forward to developing his technical skills and musicianship with Michele. He also looks forward to the AYO auditions which will come later in the year as well as possible performance opportunity with Ensemble Q or others.

“If anything, the experiences I’ve had wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Friends of the Art Gift Fund and to that, I extend my thanks to the donors who support musicians like me. Their support means everything to me as it helps me to reach my goals as a violinist,” says Ingram.

Photo by Trina Power Creative

Haylee Kirkwood

2021 SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

Since receiving the grant from the Friends of the Arts Gift Fund, Haylee has been able to continue her studies at the Palucca Tanz Bachelor Program. The school year is flying by for Haylee but she feels she has already learned so many new things from the program.

From her new theory classes where Laban, Dance analysis and Music are studied to working in the studio with choreographers and teachers. Haylee feels the dance environment at Palucca helps to understand not only who you are as a dancer but also helps you discover and travel down all different paths.

Haylee says, “I feel like I have already grown so much as a person and especially a dancer. Thanks to the Friends of the Arts and their continuous support I wouldn’t be where I am today, learning and expanding my horizons in the dance world. I can’t wait for the years ahead to see what is in store for me. But for now, I am continuing to work in and outside of the studio to continue to pursue my dreams.”

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Jackson Smith-Leishman

Jackson Smith-Leishman is a 17-year-old ballet dancer from the Gold Coast. Until recently Jackson trained at the Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy. Jackson’s teacher, Amanda, says “In the past few years Jackson has gained international recognition as one of the up-and-coming dancers of his generation.”

In 2021, Jackson was selected for the New York Finals of the Youth America Grant Prix and as a Finalist in the 2020 Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition. There he received wonderful compliments from the jury and was offered places at some of the most prestigious ballet schools.

This year Jackson will take up his spot at the world-renowned Royal Ballet School in London. During 2020, Jackson took time out to have double ankle surgery. “That year was sometimes difficult and a bit scary if I was honest as I was hoping I would recover ok, and RBS would still want me. I was so happy when I got the letter that they still wanted me out of the thousands of auditions worldwide. I am one of 16 to be accepted.”

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Kaela Tapper

Kaela Tapper is a 15-year-old classical ballet dancer from the Gold Coast. Until very recently Kaela trained at the Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy and during her career she has received many national and international accolades. Kaela is described as a highly talented and diligent student and her teacher believes that she will become a very successful ballet dancer.

This year Kaela was accepted to the world-renowned John Cranko Ballet School in Stuttgart, Germany. This is a dream come true for Kaela and we are very pleased to award her with scholarship to help make that dream happen.

“A grant, if awarded, would greatly assist with my training in Germany and be wholeheartedly appreciated by myself and my parents. In exchange I will promise to give my best and be a good ambassador for Australia, Queensland and the Gold Coast.”

Photo by Stephan Bollinger Photography

Ellie Waddingham

Ellie Waddingham is an 18-year-old theatre artist from the Gold Coast.

Ellie is passionate about Shakespeare and classical theatre and wants to dedicate her life to celebrating the beauty of language and humanity through theatre. In 2021, Ellie worked with Queensland Theatre, Shake & Stir Theatre Co. and the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble. She is also a dedicated writer, drama educator and theatre journalist.

This year, Ellie moved to Brisbane and will begin studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at Queensland University of Technology. She is incredibly grateful to have been accepted straight out of high school and is thrilled to take on this intensive, 3-year training journey.

She is thankful to have been uplifted by the Friends of the Arts and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her with a career in theatre.