Lelia Jeffreys, photograph Cameron Bloom.
Seabirds in the spotlight for the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship
Congratulations to Australian photographer Leila Jeffreys, who has been awarded the 2022 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship.
The acclaimed visual artist said she was overjoyed at the rare chance to witness a remote part of the world. “The Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship is a generous offer and a rare opportunity to see the world anew. It is a huge privilege and honour. I have no doubt I will experience profound personal and professional growth which is crucial for any artist,” Ms Jeffreys said.
Ms Jeffreys will take photographs, videos and sound recordings of Antarctic bird life in their habitats while journaling about her experiences.
“My time in Antarctica will help me complete and illustrate a hardcover book and major exhibition called SEABIRD, a project I started in 2015. The chance to throw my body and mind into this extraordinary world will fuel my creativity and sustain my art for years to come,” Ms Jeffreys said.
“I’m so grateful for the ability to step away from urban life, spend time among the sea and ice and immerse myself deeply in the lives of the creatures we share this beautiful planet with.”
This year the Australian Antarctic Division will also support two engagement projects from writer Sean Williams and film maker Briege Whitehead.
It is hoped these projects will proceed in the 2022/23 Antarctic season subject to the impacts of COVID-19.
Expressions of interest for the 2023 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship, for the 2023/24 season, will open March 2022. More details.
The Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship has been running since 1984 and is supported by the Australian Antarctic Division with additional support provided by ANAT since 2017.