Creative young Australians are being offered a unique opportunity to work with a top UK professional in their field, thanks to the British Council’s 2008 Realise Your Dream scheme.
Realise Your Dream is open to anyone between 18 and 30 years of age working or studying in creative fields such as design, architecture, advertising, photography, music, fashion, animation, multimedia, performing arts and computer games. The British Council is behind the innovative scheme and uses its powerful UK
network to find suitable mentors and money-can’t-buy work experience for six winners. Winners from last year included:
- Rebecca Parker, a film writer/director from Clovelly, NSW.
- Omar Musa, a rapper from Queanbeyan, ACT.
- Anna Barnes, a playwright from Hawthorn, VIC.
- Jess Scully, a magazine editor from Woollahra, NSW.
- Katrina Schwarz, an editor, arts writer and curator from Paddington, NSW.
- Stephen Gilchrist, a curator of Indigenous art from Balaclava, VIC.
They are about to start their experience in the UK working with leading professionals such as Big Dada records and hip hop rapper Akala, The British Museum and the Royal Court young writer’s programme.
“Every year the Realise Your Dream programme has been overwhelmed by the calibre and breadth of its entrants and it’s always inspiring to see such amazing young talent. We really strive to ensure our winner’s dreams are realised by matching them up with top UK professionals,” British Council Director
Christopher Wade said. The prize covers return airfares to the UK and $8,000 towards relevant course
fees, accommodation and living expenses for each winner. Now in its sixth successful year, the Realise Your Dream programme is proudly supported by principal sponsor NAB.
“The British Councils’ Realise Your Dream program plays a vital role in fostering and developing the talent of young creative artists, which is why we’re so proud to be involved. The British Council opens doors in the UK for young people and we are proud to be associated with such a reputable organisation. This opportunity allows young Australians to follow their dreams – which is something we believe in, encourage and support,” said John Simpson, Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, National Australia Bank.
Along with NAB, Realise Your Dream is supported by airline sponsor British Airways, accommodation sponsor Stamford Hotels and Resorts, communications sponsor M&C Saatchi, public relations sponsor Access Public Relations and media partner triple j.
“The UK is really a robust creative hub. This programme offers Australians the opportunity to take advantage of our strong relationship with the UK with the chance to challenge and extend themselves creatively in what is a very stimulating artistic environment,” added Wade.
Entries are now open and will close July 31, 2008. Visit the Realise Your Dream website for more details: www.realiseyourdream.org.au
For more information, please contact Melissa Chan, Access Public Relations on
(02) 9279 4133 or [email protected]
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations and the world’s leading cultural relations organisation. The British Council connects people with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK to build lasting relationships around the world. We operate in 109 countries and have been in Australia since 1947. The areas we focus on in Australia are the arts and creative industries, science and technology, and education. The British Council is a non-political organisation which operates at arm’s length from government.
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