PUNCTUM PRESENTS

Next On Now is an exciting arts program for young Central Victorian artists between the ages of 17 and 25 who are interested in contemporary art forms of all types; visual art, music, performance, multi-media and writing. Next On Now will provide young artists with mentorship by professional artists and technical resources for the creative development of new cross art form works to be presented at Art Blast, a weekend-long festival and exhibition to be held in Bendigo's Mall, Allan's Walk and the old Beehive Building on 25 & 26 February 2012. Coordinated by nationally renowned and locally based arts organisation Punctum, Next On Now aims to increase professional opportunities and networks for young artists who are moving from study-based practice to a professional art careers. The program will take place over six months with three months dedicated to the creation of works where young artists will spend at least 40 hours working with their mentors. Punctum will also conduct workshops for the young artists on how to write proposals and grants as well as market, publicise and present their art. Jude Anderson, Punctum's Artistic Director says, “#Bendigo has so many young and talented artists. Each year at BSSC (Bendigo Senior Secondary College) alone there are over 300 arts graduates who are setting their sights on a profession in arts. Next On Now is about opening doors to professional opportunities in contemporary arts right here in Bendigo. It's a way of supporting and celebrating the huge potential that exists here and bringing it to the heart of the city.”# Presently in its early stages, there are four young artists, from BSSC, Latrobe University and BRIT, already involved in Next On Now. Punctum is encouraging many more students to express their interest and join Next On Now in hopes that there will be at least 30 young artists producing 10 art projects to present at the Art Blast next year. The next information session and proposal writing workshop for Next On Now will be Thursday 18 August at 5pm at the Old Fire Station on View Street.