Applications open for Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship

In 1991 a fire swept through St Kilda Town Hall destroying part of the building and its contents. A number of artworks were damaged including The Forerunners by Rupert Bunny – a significant and valuable painting.

In the spirit of the contribution Rupert Bunny made to the visual arts, the insurance funds from the painting were used to establish the Rupert Bunny Foundation.

The Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship was established in 2005 and aims to support contemporary visual artists with an identifiable commitment to visual arts excellence.

Dr Lisa Anderson was awarded the Rupert Bunny Fellowship in 2022 for a multimedia, visual arts project, Beguiling, which was recently exhibited at the Victorian Pride Centre from November 2023 to January 2024.

“It shifts a lot of things for an artist when they get that kind of recognition, and it gave me a lot of confidence,” Dr Anderson said.

“Being the Rupert Bunny Fellow is a foot in the door. It’s a way to grab attention, and then everyone wants to know what you’re doing with the Fellowship.”

Dr Anderson shared some advice for artists looking to apply for the 2024 Fellowship.

“People should apply if they are connected to the Port Phillip area and want to talk about that connection in some way,” she said. “Don’t worry if you aren’t an established artist as it’s about the strength of your projects.”

Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo said the Fellowship is the perfect opportunity for an artist to extend their arts practice while contributing to their community.

“The Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship has supported some exceptional artistic talent over the years and we can’t wait to see more local artists put their name forward,” Cr Cunsolo said.

Applications for the Rupert Bunny Fellowship close on Monday 20 May at 5 PM. For more information on the Fellowship and to apply, visit Council’s Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship page.