Cendana invites applicants for Emerging Artist Incubation Funding Programme
KUCHING: Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana) is urging individuals or groups in performing arts, visual art and independent music to apply for the Emerging Artist Incubation Funding Programme starting Jan 2, 2018.
Cendana Founding CEO Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin said that successful applicants will be awarded RM30,000 each to support the creation, adaptation or re- development of distinctive artistic content.
She added that the scheme is one of many efforts aimed to empower the arts communities in Malaysia to enable and increase the quality of art works.
The fund will cover direct expenses of the artists’ creation and development process,” she told a press conference here yesterday.
“Applications must be submitted online at www.cendana.com.my starting Jan 2 2018 before the Feb 12, 2018 deadline. It is open to Malaysians or Malaysian permanent residents who are actively engaged in the Malaysian arts and culture with a track record of at least three years,” she said.
She added that collaboration with artists and creative individuals or groups between East and West Malaysia are encouraged.
“Teams that include nonMalaysians are eligible to apply provided non-Malaysians do not represent more than half of the team.”
Applications will be evaluated on two-levels; first by the industry advisory panel which include artists, and approval by the executive committee from both the government and private sector. Recepients will be notified on March 20, followed by media announcement on Mar 27.
“Fair access to opportunities is a critical issue facing our arts communities today. Hence, via this funding programme, we hope it will stimulate artistic ambition in addition to providing artists the time and space for them to develop their work, engaging peers or participants, and create lasting and meaningful stories/music.”
“Cendana is motivated to have compelling Malaysian stories/ music that would appeal to the wider audience and in the mediumterm contribute to our economic objectives,” said Izan.
Asked on the number of recepients, she said that there is no target as the fund is awarded based on merit. Aside from this fund, there will be two more next year – Strategic Presentation and Mobility, and Audience Development, she said.
Cendana was launched last September by the Prime Minister. Prior to the press conference, Cendana held its first freeadmission Funding Clinic at Haus Kuching yesterday.
It introduces the funding programme, provides information about the application processes among others. To learn more about Cendana, visit www.cendana.com. my.