Entries are now open for young women across the Gold Coast to showcase their best artistic work, following the launch of an Arts Scholarship program established by a new local dentist – The Thirty Two – in partnership with St Hilda’s School.
The Thirty Two, a progressive Southport-based dental studio which houses an innovative dentistry practice infused with modern art, has teamed up with St Hilda’s to fund the initiative called The Thirty Two Women in Arts Scholarship.
The Arts scholarship will provide one lucky Gold Coast girl, who is currently in Year 9, with a private high school education in Years 10, 11 and 12 and also kickstart their journey of becoming an established artist.
The Thirty Two was founded by Dr. Rohan Wijey who wanted to not only redefine dentistry, but also meld art within his practice, and through the scholarship wishes to foster local talent among local youths who may not have yet had the opportunity to discover their full potential.
“We believe that art has the ability to influence and inspire not only the individual, but also the broader community, and humanity as a whole. This endeavour seeks to cultivate the progress and development of art, encouraging and supporting its creators directly.”
“A large part of dental practise is about the celebration of artistic expression. We’re passionate about revolutionising the way dentistry is performed and operating in an environment that is truly unique – and that’s blending art with dental aesthetics and health,” he said.
“The team and I at The Thirty Two are humbled we are able to give a young artist in the making the opportunity to be able to explore their creativity further with this scholarship.”
The Thirty Two Women in Arts Scholarship is in partnership with the St Hilda’s School and supported through the St Hilda’s Foundation, and is the first time an Arts Scholarship has been offered by the institution.
“We are delighted to announce a new Scholarship opportunity for a student entering Year 10 in 2023,” St Hilda’s School Principal, Ms Wendy Lauman said.
“This unique opportunity is a result of the very welcome partnership the St Hilda’s School and Foundation has developed with The Thirty Two, who share our vision to cultivate the progress and development of a young woman in the visual arts.”
“The Horton Art Studios at the St Hilda’s School is often identified as a spiritual home to our young women,” added Ms Lauman.
The Thirty Two Women in Arts Scholarship is open to any Gold Coast young woman in Year 9 who is required to submit a piece a visual or performative art piece(s) around the aphorism ‘Embrace the You’, and reflect a high level of academic achievement.
The successful student applicant will be awarded the scholarship for 3 consecutive years throughout their completion of high school, commencing in 2023, and will act as an ambassador for St Hilda’s School.
The judging panel to select the winning entry, includes St Hilda’s School Head of Faculty, Visual Arts Alana Hampton, HOTA, Home of the Arts Director of Gallery and Visual Arts Tracy Cooper-Lavery, UAP Senior Principal and Curatorial Director Natasha Smith and Gold Coast Artist, CJ Anderson.
“Art and culture are vital to society and the Gold Coast community has a proud history of supporting the Arts for today and future generations,” HOTA’s Director of Gallery and Visual Arts, Tracy Cooper-Lavery said.
“The launch of this new St Hilda’s Arts scholarship will provide immense opportunities for young women to develop their creative skills in a safe and nurturing environment to support the ambitions of Australia’s future artistic leaders. I’m delighted to be part of this project and acknowledge the significance of the team at The Thirty Two and St Hilda’s in realising this vision.”
The 3-year The Thirty Two Women in Arts Scholarship is valued at a total of more than $70,000, equating to approximately $23,000 per year.
To apply, applicable students need to submit their application to The Thirty Two website by 16 September. Applications will be judged in October and the successful student will be announced in November.
For more information about The Thirty Two and the Arts Scholarship, visit: www.TheThirtyTwo.com.au
About The Thirty Two
Named after the 32 teeth in a mouth, The Thirty Two is a dental studio that celebrates artistic expression. The Studio itself is an ode to the city it calls home, paying homage to the Gold Coast’s unique personality of relaxed, beachside living and unapologetic love of aesthetics. It is an embodiment of authentic self-expression and creativity.
The Thirty Two believe that art has the ability to influence and inspire not only the individual, but also the broader community, and humanity as a whole. As such, it should be encouraged, supported and celebrated. They do so, not only through the design and aesthetics of the Thirty Two studio but also through our support of established and burgeoning artists.
About St Hilda’s Foundation
St Hilda’s Foundation – Supporting young women to dream and to achieve. The School environment has been developed over more than 100 years through the generosity of past communities and the support of the Anglican Diocese. To aid this generosity, the St Hilda’s Foundation was established in 2013 as a registered not-for-profit charity.
Our success depends on the support of our local community. Together we will shape strong and confident individuals who enrich our community and lead positive change in the world. Contributions to the St Hilda’s Foundation enables us to lay the foundation that empowers our young women to become exceptional citizens and leaders.
Media contact: amy@m10.com.au