SEED Project – Strengthening Emerging First Nations Artists

Growing Artists. Growing Culture. Growing Community

The Mt Burdett Foundation supported Esperance Community Arts (ECA) to deliver the SEED Project, an artist development and cultural leadership initiative supporting two early- to mid-career First Nations artists from the Goldfields–Esperance region, Colleen Frost and Candice Smith.

Through the project, Colleen and Candice had the opportunity to strengthen their artistic practice, cultural knowledge, confidence and professional networks through First Nations-led professional development and cultural exchange.

A key component of SEED was an artist development journey to Uluru, where the artists visited galleries, connected with artists and arts organisations, explored professional pathways and participated in an immersive on-Country camp. The experience provided opportunities for storytelling, cultural exchange, creative practice and connection to Country alongside First Nations artists and Elders.

The project built on the artists’ existing work within their communities, supporting them to develop their skills as artists and cultural leaders while creating connections that can continue beyond the project.

Importantly, the benefits of SEED extend beyond the two participating artists. The knowledge, relationships and creative practice developed through the project are being embedded into ECA’s broader First Nations Seasonal Stories initiative through artist residencies, workshops, cultural storytelling, mentoring and collaborative creative projects.

Through these opportunities, the project will help create further pathways for First Nations artists, young people and families across the Goldfields–Esperance region to engage with culture and creativity.

By investing in emerging First Nations artists who are already contributing to their communities, the Mt Burdett Foundation is supporting the development of local cultural leadership, artistic capability and stronger community connections across regional WA.

Find out more about RRAF funding opportunities: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/rural-and-regiona l