Mike Walsh is one of the Australian Arts Industry’s most valuable members. A multi award winning TV personality (The Mike Walsh show ran from 1973-1985), entrepreneur and businessman, Walsh is committed to strengthening our industry in any way he can.
Mike Walsh is one of the Australian Arts Industry’s most valuable members. A multi award winning TV personality (The Mike Walsh show ran from 1973-1985), entrepreneur and businessman, Walsh is committed to strengthening our industry in any way he can. In 1996 he created The Mike Walsh Fellowships to assist young theatre artists who have the potential to make a significant contribution to the Australian arts and entertainment industry. Originally available only to NIDA graduates, the eligibility to apply for Fellowships has since been extended to graduates of VCA and WAAPA. These Fellowships enable recipients to travel abroad to obtain a wider knowledge and experience of theatre, such as through a formal course of study, private instruction, observation, secondment, or an association with a theatre company, before returning to Australia to pursue their careers. This year, seven fellowships have been awarded to graduates and theatre practitioners from all three colleges – NIDA, WAAPA and VCA. Naomi Edwards (VCA), Jenny Ellis (VCA), Shane Jones (NIDA), Ailsa Paterson (NIDA), Tirion Rodwell (NIDA), Tim Walter (WAAPA, pictured), and Stephen Wheat (WAAPA) are the 2011 winners and they will each receive a share of the $50, 000 prize pool. Since its inception, the Mike Walsh Fellowships have awarded $580, 000 to recipients and previous Fellows include Damien Cooper, Helen Dallimore, Peter England, Justin Kurzel, Joshua Lawson, Patrick Nolan, Dan Potra, and Michael Wilkinson. The Fellowships are administered by Terence Clarke AM, who, along with Sandra Bates AM, Co-Artistic Director of Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, join Mike Walsh on the interviewing panel. For more information: www.mikewalsh.com.au