Flinders University Museum of Art (FUMA) staff member Brianna Speight has been awarded a prestigious three-month residency to the British School at Rome in a suite of accolades announced by the Helpmann Academy last week.
The residency, valued at $25,000, is awarded each year, providing an emerging artist with studio space at one of Italy’s premier art research institutions including residential accommodation and a working area. Scheduled over April to June, it represents a unique opportunity for a gifted South Australian artist to develop their practice among talented peers, taking full advantage of the school’s world-renowned research facilities.
A photographer, Ms Speight will research the school’s photo archives, which include approximately 100,000 catalogued images, and develop her own practice in one of the world’s cultural epicentres.
Her role at FUMA involves photographing its rich collections to maintain an up to date catalogue for access by the University community and other stakeholders.
In her own art practice, based at Holy Rollers studios in Prospect, she has been developing photo-based research and is currently focused on gender, personal narrative, and memory. (View her website)
Since graduating from the University of South Australia in 2017, Ms Speight has participated in the Carclew Artist-in-Residence Program (2018), a Guildhouse Catapult Mentorship (2018-2019), exhibited at Adelaide Airport, Floating Goose Gallery and Sauerbier House, and is currently undertaking a collaborative residency at Sauerbier House with artist Rosina Possingham.
She is looking forward to her first international residency to focus on her practice and develop her work.
“I was recently inspired by a visit to my Aunt’s farm home in the south east and trawling through her family history and albums. The stories we pass in a generational context is something I’m very interested in, including how a photo is stored and looked after.” Ms Speight says.
Her residency was announced by the Helpmann Academy on 13 February 2020 alongside its annual awards for emerging creatives, including several graduates from Flinders University /TAFE SA.
Flinders University / TAFE SA award winners
Anika Gardner: The City Rural Insurance /Helpmann Travel Award $5,000, (providing the opportunity to travel)
Kate Oakenfold: The Bendigo & Adelaide Bank
Award $5,000 (recognising an emerging female artist)
Anna Revesz: Linden New Art Award $6,620 (providing a 3-week exhibition at Linden New Art in Melbourne, including mentorship, marketing and promotion assistance)
Alicia Murphy: The 215 Magill Residency Award $5,000 (providing a 6-month residency at new studio space, 215 Magill
Kate Oakenfold: The ACE Open Residency Award $3,750 (providing a 12-month studio residency at ACE Open, South Australia’s flagship contemporary art space)
Brooke Mitchell: The Jaquillard Award $3,000 (supporting the cost of exhibiting)
Erin Daniell: The Peter Walker / Helpmann Advancement Award $1,000 (recognising artistic excellence and talent)
Chelsea Materne: The Royal South Australian Society of the Arts & Friends Award $1,000 (recognising artistic excellence and talent)