AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow.
Foxtel and AFTRS have announced a new $20,000 scholarship to foster diverse Australian screenwriting talent.
The scholarship will be awarded to a gifted emerging screenwriter to allow them to complete the AFTRS Master of Arts: Screenwriting. Successful applicants may also have the opportunity to undertake a work attachment at Foxtel.
The scholarship, to be awarded each year for the next three years, will be selected on the basis of merit from eligible students from diverse cultural, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, or from otherwise underrepresented minority groups.
Foxtel’s group director, corporate affairs, Bruce Meagher said the company wanted to create a positive future for Australia’s media, arts and film sectors.
“We invest in and empower the next generation of Australians working to enter our industry. Our long-standing relationship with AFTRS allows us to support talented screenwriters through this new annual scholarship. We look forward to building a relationship with the recipient of the 2016 scholarship over the course of their Masters.”
AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow said: “AFTRS values Foxtel’s commitment to nurturing exceptional new talent in our industry and we are delighted to extend our partnership with this new scholarship initiative. AFTRS and Foxtel are both committed to encouraging the development of diverse Australian stories and so a preference will be given to scholarship applicants from diverse backgrounds.”
Applications for the AFTRS Master of Arts: Screenwriting are now open and close on November 18. Students offered a place can apply for the Foxtel Screenwriting Scholarship from December 19. The scholarship will support living expenses while studying and FEE Help is also available to cover course fees.