contemporary art space and education
c.a.s.e. 2024/25 Mentorship Grants
In 2024 we launched the c.a.s.e. Mentorship Grants program, inviting artists to apply for funding to support their art practices. There was a vibrant and diverse response from our arts community. Eleven artists with a wide range of disciplines were awarded grants and here we share how their creative outcomes were shaped by the mentorship experience.
Mentorship: Susan Davidson and Samantha Collyer
Sue on her mentorship:
To future applicants Sue says:
Sam on the mentoring experience:
Sam suggested different ways to install works, different site considerations and reasons for this. Engineering aspects considered with some works eg. heights and public liability. Weather conditions eg wind and rain and how this can impact installation and longevity of work if placed in wrong site. Sam’s dynamic leadership and organisational skills were some of the characteristics I was attracted to. She has gained great respect within the artists' community as a result of her dedication to public art events and workshops. It was great learning from her and seeing how much was involved in directing and overseeing the Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk. Sam is very committed to the art community and Brunswick Heads. It was hard to pin each other down over such a large event whilst onsite, however when needed, she was fast to respond and assist with help.
To go ahead and apply for this program for such a good initiative. Helping artists achieve a better understanding of their own art practice and that of others and what possibilities are open to them.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to mentor an artist and help them explore and extend new directions in their art practice. I was able to share my expertise as a sculptor, educator and Director of Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk to guide Sue in her art practice. Sue Davidson was a pleasure to work with supporting her to navigate new direction in her art making. Sue gained confidence in exploring new techniques, teaching school students about community collaboration and curating sculpture in an outdoor setting. She learnt to use materials sculpturally, whilst honouring her use of painterly textural surfaces in new ways. We covered a lot of aspects in the field of sculpture helping Sue explore materiality and connection to the sculpture site developing critical dialogue questioning scale and thinking about installation needs. We spoke about the importance of curation of works and to look at alternative approaches to installing artforms in an outdoor context. Sue incorporated her textural painting techniques onto wooden blocks, this developed into a very accessible workshop for school students to engage with. Through help with organisation Sue approached 2 schools to present the idea and collaborate with students to create a collaborative sculpture for the Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk. The wooden blocks were placed on a picnic table in the park, allowing people to interact with the stacking of blocks changing the textural combinations and enticing public engagement, making for a very successful work. Sue learnt a lot about curation and outdoor sculpture where being flexible and open to the landscape, can allow for better outcomes and interpretation of the sculpture in relation to the site. Sue was eager to get involved on all levels, assisting other artists if needed whilst learning about individual considerations and different approaches sculptors have with materials and outdoor challenges. It was a very rewarding experience, thank you for providing this mentorship for artists in the Region it adds valuable experiences for both the mentor and mentee.
Mentorship: Isabell Heiss and Kat Shapiro Wood
Isabell on the mentorship:
To c.a.s.e. and future applicants Isabell says:
Kat on the mentoring experience:
Kat has been wonderful in sharing her substantial knowledge with patience and skill, and created a stimulating and engaging learning environment with the right combination of guidance and independancy. We were able to develop healthy boundaries to continue a satisfying learning environment.
I am very grateful for this opportunity provided by c.a.s.e. It is fantastic to have financial help offered, especially as an emerging artist. Be clear and mindful of your communication with your mentor, check in regularly to see what is actually possible within the financial scope without relying too heavily on the generosity of the mentor.
Being granted the opportunity to support Isabell in some areas of ceramic technology for ideas that she was developing resulted in both some wonderful, successful work in time for exhibition and a fruitful and inspiring creative exchange. Isabell had a clear concept of what she wanted, which enabled us to get straight to work in creating a complex plaster slip casting mould, testing clay slip colours, the eventual slip casting itself and final firings. This readiness meant that we could use the time as effectively as possible. Taking on technical information, observing and taking notes, and being actively involved in the process while I was there to guide her in my studio, she was then able to continue independently at her own, in between sessions. I was so impressed with the quality of the work and how she married concept and materiality so beautifully. It was a pleasure working with Isabell and I’m excited to see how these new skills may open up further possibilities within her practice in the future.
Mentorship: Gill Williams and Claudie Frock
Gill on the mentorship:
To c.a.s.e and future applicants Gill says:
Claudie on the mentoring experience:
The moments that were highly impactful were the times where Claudie identified Gills potential in utilising movement, physicality, dance and scale. Gill enjoyed the use of the overhead projector which opens up the possibility of shadow play and self portraiture, and demonstrated the need for a larger working space in order to accommodate this. Claudie was perfect for Gill due to her many years experience with People with Disabilities and Neurodiverse individuals, particularly in a creative context. Claudie has a natural ability to meet people where they are at and find ways to collaborate. Not to mention Gill and Claudie's compatibility, they are both joyful, colourful, expressive, spontaneous, approachable, abstract, kind and engaging.
Continue providing this program to emerging artists, having a mentor is valuable to an emerging artist in a number of ways. The financial incentive both honours expertise of the mentor and brings about a sense of ease, lifting any pressure that may come from taking someone’s time. The exchange feels fair and the outcomes are valued. Gill and Claudie are now peers in the industry, and that in itself is just amazing.
It was such a wonderful opportunity to be able to mentor Gill. I loved our creative connection, play and learnings and am very grateful to Gill for choosing me as a mentor and c.a.s.e.inc. for their support of the mentoring program. Having an opportunity to be in creative conversation with Gill to learn more about his creative practice, inspirations, and rhythms was really joyful and insightful. Having the opportunity as a mentor to facilitate some new material and method explorations for him was fun and very satisfying - I loved seeing how he embraced and ran with new ideas, materials and techniques. I also think it was invaluable for him to visit our Outpost studio in Lismore and see how myself and other practicing artists work in the space.
A special thank you goes to Berri Drum for her invaluable assistance.
Mentorship: Trudi Wuiske and Sharon Muir
Trudi on the mentorship:
Trudi learnings:
Sharon on the mentoring experience:
Sharon went over and above during the mentorship and was a brilliant teacher and mentor. She was very good at taming the wildness and pulling in the reins from keeping me going off on yet another creative tangent. We connected on so many levels and the mentorship was a great fit for me and hopefully for her.
Sharon gave me insights into what it takes to be a professional artist. I hadn't realised just how much was involved in not only creating art, but all that goes with it, like how to sustain a consistent art practice and the amount of hours needed to dedicate to my art.
Thank you c.a.s.e. for choosing me for my second round of mentoring with your program. I was delighted to work with you again, along with my mentee, Trudi Wuiske. The mentoring program you offer is such a valuable resource to our local arts community. It helps to foster connections for those desiring to expand their perspectives and crucial support to help establish a life in the arts. Trudi had a specific goal for being mentored and that was to explore and develop her painting skills, particularly in the genre of still life. After our initial session of overviewing her artistic experience, and realistically looking at her aspirations for her artmaking, we deviated from the initial plan and firstly concentrated on her gaining foundations in the practical application of colour mixing. Trudi was very receptive to the colour mixing work we did together, and found the practical application of colour a really useful skill to include in her repertoire. We shared a love of colour this way and had many engaging discussions about this boundless topic of colour in art. We also explored fundamental approaches into to carving out a life as an artist, such as how to work in a series and the best ways to approach a gallery to show her work. The medium of gouache was introduced as a suggestion to Trudi to use in her plein air work for quick studies and as reference to use back in the studio. We also covered specific mark making and painting techniques to support her painting explorations. What I enjoyed the most about working with Trudi was her unbounded enthusiasm for art and artmaking. It was a challenge for me as a mentor to gently coax Trudi to focus deeply on one area at a time as she was always excited to try new things, and kept going off on tangents. However, I feel her explorative nature is definitely an asset and one she will learn to harness over time. Ultimately, I felt I was able to impart some important insights about living a life in the creative arts, and above all, to encourage Trudi to forge her own path.
Mentorship: Susan Fell and Andy Bambach
Susan on the mentorship:
To future applicants Susan says:
Andy on the mentoring experience:
The mentorship was significant in helping me with multimedia resources for my art practice. Observing the way Andy operated in his editing suit, helped me to appreciate that I can do some small tasks, in my goal of developing short reels of my works mostly for social media. Andy assisted me to improve professionalism in my photography/post production skills. Andy was willing to give generously to the project.
I would suggest that applicants might be informed about how to use the c.a.s.e. scholarship as leverage in other grant applications. Not to be too ambitious unless there is additional funding from other sources.
I had the pleasure of working with Susan Fell as her mentor, making a short film showcasing some of her amazing eucalyptus dye art shawls, scarves and clothing in nature. I also filmed an extended interview with Susan in my studio, documenting her inspirations and art processes, that will be used as visual and voice-over material to be incorporated into our next project together ‘Wrapt in Eucalyptus'. I also mentored Susan in video editing skills and other technology. In an extension of our mentorship, Susan was able to use the c.a.s.e. mentorship grant as leverage for a successful CreateNSW Next Steps Professional Development grant, where we will be working towards further documentation and visual projections, later this year.
Mentorship: Jane Woodruff and Emma Walker
Jane on the mentorship:
Jane's learnings:
Emma on the mentoring experience:
Emma asked questions and listened well. For me, being able to talk with another artist on a regular basis is very affirming. Emma gave me confidence that I am an artist and my work is valid. I have not achieved the goals I set – these are on-going. I was challenged and expanded in my perspectives of myself.
Emma encouraged me to let go of my experiences, feel them deeply and then make work from the feeling. To make work in an intuitive way – allow things to become something else other than what I have transcribed. Let go and take risks. Thank you so much for the opportunity – I feel valued as an artist in this community because of being selected.
It was a real pleasure to work with Jane through the excellent c.a.s.e. mentorship grants program. Our exchanges involved a series of far reaching conversations that examined ideas, motivations, impediments, process as well as artistic and professional development strategies. Jane is a deep thinker and her practice reflects this capacity. It was great to visit her studio and see works in progress and the research investigations that she engages with. I hope that she will be able to realise some of her goals and that her work will continue to develop and expand in ways that provide her with deep fulfilment.
Mentorship: Nadine Abensur and Oksana Waterfall
Nadine on the mentorship:
Nadine reminds:
Oksana on the mentoring experience:
Working with Oksana was a seminal experience because she opened my eyes to so many ‘tricks of the trade’. I am not afraid to scale up or down or to make use of aids eg. computer images and photographs. Oksana’s attention to detail helped me to realise something I was otherwise intimidated by. Her faith in me was alone necessary.
Listen, be open. Don’t get stuck in my own ideas about how things should be. Be willing to experiment, fail, try again. Be less focused on outcome.
I really enjoyed mentoring Nadine and am a little sad that it’s over. Nadine and I had several sessions to talk about her aspirations and the selection of techniques available to her to achieve her vision. She was open, highly engaged and curious. It was a dialogue that I found equally as enjoyable as I hope she did. I have seen the practical expression of our conversations in her recent work.
Mentorship: Grace Fayrer and Travis Paterson
Grace on the mentorship:
To future applicants Grace advises:
Grace's learnings:
The mentorship has been insightful and has helped me grow in the areas I aimed to develop. Travis supported me in refining my conceptual focus, making my ideas more intentional and clearly defined. His guidance on presentation — from material choices to concept refienment — has given me greater confidence in how I execute and present my work. He provided valuable feedback on my writing, which has strengthened my ability to communicate my practice in professional contexts. Overall, I now feel more equipped to advance my work with purpose and clarity, both conceptually and practically.
Be clear about your goals, but also stay open to your mentor’s feedback and guidance. Take ownership of your learning and be proactive in developing your practice. This mentorship is a great opportunity to grow and challenge yourself.
It has been a wonderful experience to participate in the c.a.s.e. Mentorship Grants Program. It has been a rewarding pleasure to be able to continue working with Grace and see her practice develop and evolve technically, conceptually and professionally. Being able to provide one on one sessions can help fill the apparent void that can be felt post-art school and is a valuable experience for artists at all stages of their careers.
Mentorship: Indigo-Khai Rivers and Shelly Anfield
Indigo-Khai on the mentorship:
Indigo-Khai's learnings:
Shelly on the mentoring experience:
We covered a diverse range from developing more confidence with stand up comedy, to the business aspects as an artist, pricing, roving performance show for festivals, developing a ‘style’ with my photography and creating portfolio plus bios.
Shelly was great at keeping it real and offering important advice, steps, tools and techniques along the way. Having a mentor who was able to flex to what I wanted to focus on each session was fantastic! Shelly helped me with staying accountable.
Thank you c.a.s.e. for the opportunity to be a mentor through this program. It was a wonderful experience where I was able to pull from my life of experience and training in performance art, visual art, self development, coaching and heart-led business. We were able to seamlessly navigate both in person and video call sessions that supported Indi in her creative goals and expansion as an artist. I love sharing what I know while supporting creatives to thrive and find their own unique voice. The big bonus is that I also grow along the way and I look forward to mentoring many others as this journey of life continues to unfold. The way that creatives navigate life and find solutions is something I feel the world needs more of and if I can help others become their greatest creative self, then I am humbly grateful to contribute in any way that I can.
Mentorship: Liv Enquist and Osha Shealey
Liv on the mentorship:
To c.a.s.e. and future applicants Liv says:
Osha on the mentoring experience:
Osha has been the most patient, open, generous and kind mentor to me. She has listened to my questions and helped me learn anything I asked for and about. Nothing has been to basic or too advanced. It’s been great to learn from someone who has such a high work ethic and attention to detail, and who is very thorough. Being a very off the cuff and improvising person it’s really great to learn how to calcultae and measure and plan. Learning how to not rush and give yourself enough space and time to do a good job.
First of all, I am so grateful to c.a.s.e. for the support. Even how you regram instagram stories etc makes me feel very seen and supported. I think you are doing such wonderful work. It’s such a wonderful incubator of creativity and connection. My advice for the cretives is Go for it!! I have learnt that it’s kind of up to you how you want to shape your learning experience and on how open you are. It’s about asking the right questions and about tolerating the feeling of being a beginner.
Mentoring Liv was a wonderful experience. Getting to hear about her creative process and help her learn techniques that in turn helped her expand her own practice was beautiful to see. I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. Teaching something and then seeing the real-life application is such a special thing to be a part of, and so programs like this are so great to support creatives exploring different mediums and keeping their artistic practice.
Mentorship: Jennifer Muller and Stephen Bird
Jenny on the mentorship:
To future applicants Jenny says:
Suggestions from Stephen:
Stephen questioned my ideas underpinning the type of work I wanted to produce initially, which felt challenging and a bit disorienting at first. However, it helped me clarify my intentions, and back myself, as I processed his suggestions. He encouraged me to marry the figure and landscape in a way that I now feel comfortable and confident with.
Stephen pointed out that my departure from my stated goals allowed the process to evolve as it should. I learned to yield to the process. I would advise to go into the process with an open mind. You may end up in a completely different destination than you thought you would.
Stephen was excellent at identifying appropriate artists work for me to investigate. He was also good at making simple suggestions for new work.
c.a.s.e.
2024 Mentorship Grants
Congratulations to the 11 wonderful Northern Rivers artists who will each be receiving a $600 c.a.s.e. mentorship grant.
We received an excellent response to our call for mentorship grants and a significant number of great applications so we have elected to go with eleven recipients rather than the advertised ten.
We were thrilled to see the diverse range of applicants representing the extensive scope of the arts in our creative region.
We appreciate everyone who invested their time and effort into applying.
Successful mentees
Susan Fell
@gondwanacolour
Epiphytes
Trudi Wuiske
@trudi_wuiske
Abstract Still Life
Jennifer Muller
@jennifer.lise.m
Transhuman madonna
Nadine Abensur
@nadineabensur
Fennel
Liv Enqvist
@liv_enqvist
artwork 1
Sue Davidson
@susan_davidson2482
Building Stimulus
Grace Fayrer
@gracefayrer
Not Here, Not There (rose tinted)
Jane Woodruff
@jane.woodruff.507
Elemental Meditations
Indigo-Khai Rivers
Without
Gill Williams
@gillwilliamsart
Bull with Stars at Night
Isabell Heiss
@isabell.heiss.art
A tall distance (video stills)
