Grant McLennan Fellowship applications go live

Now in its 14th year, the Fellowship honours the musical legacy of the late singer-songwriter and The Go-Betweens co-front man, Grant McLennan. Funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and presented by QMusic, the $15,000 Fellowship offers the recipient an opportunity to travel to New York, London or Berlin to be immersed in a foreign and vibrant musical culture to further develop their artistic skills.

“The Fellowship will be a game changer for the 2022 winner. Not only will they have the opportunity to build global networks and develop their practice, but they will also gain international performance opportunities that might not have otherwise materialised,” said QMusic CEO Kris Stewart.

Brisbane guitarist, songwriter and singer Jack Bratt was awarded the 2019 Fellowship. Following in Grant’s footsteps, Jack headed to New York to immerse himself in the culture that inspired Grant. With the postponement of the 2020 and 2021 awards, Jack was given an extra 12 months to take up his Fellowship – and the wait was worth it.

Speaking from New York, Bratt said, “Winning the Grant McLennan Fellowship has been a truly life-changing experience. Having the opportunity to be an artist and songwriter in New York has been an incredible chapter in my life and I am eternally grateful for the honour.”

Over the past 18 years, Jack has built a multilayered career through live performance, songwriting, singing and producing, as well as becoming a highly sought-after session guitarist. Being awarded the Fellowship has helped him build upon his existing experience to deepen his practice and has led to the development of new works.

“In New York, I was able to write music for my second album and have had experiences and created memories that will last a lifetime,” Bratt said.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government established the Grant McLennan Fellowship to develop the next generation of Queensland contemporary music talent.

“With international travel now making a comeback, this Fellowship is especially relevant for Queensland contemporary songwriters, encouraging artists to expand their networks and further develop their careers in a global market,” Minister Enoch said.

“The Fellowship is part of the Queensland Government’s ongoing support for the state’s live music industry, which in 2021-22 included $7 million in dedicated support for live music venues.

“We are committed to continuing to support and recognise the important role of the live music sector in incubating Queensland talent and creating employment opportunities,” Minister Enoch said.

Applications for the Grant McLennan Fellowship are now open. Final entries are due on Monday 29 August 2022.

To submit your application or for more information visit the Q Music website.

Media release supplied.