Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) has introduced an indigenous education scholarship courtesy of a $300,000 grant from a new foundation backed by philanthropist Simon Mordant.
Mel George teaching at Urban Glass in 2005
Glass artist Mel George is the first recipient of the Luminis Foundation Indigenous Fellowship for Cultural Leadership, to be awarded annually over six years to a student undertaking the master of fine arts in cultural leadership at NIDA. George, who is of Aboriginal and Greek heritage, has worked in the glass industry in Australia and the US.
Currently the curator at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, she will also work as a cultural facilitator at Bula’bula Arts in Arnhem Land.
DMV glass aficionados might remember Mel’s work being featured in the 2006 “Compelled By Content 2” exhibit at Fraser Gallery in Bethesda. Congratulations Mel!
“A Shade of Difference”
Kiln-formed Glass, Cotton, Wire and Steel. 2.5 x 8 x 4 inches
by Mel George