Two talented musicians, Matt Laing and Simone Slattery, have been awarded the prestigious Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowship for 2026-27, a life-changing opportunity to establish their artistic careers. This fellowship, made possible by the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, is a testament to their exceptional musical abilities and artistic vision.
Laing, a violist and composer, will use the fellowship to showcase his compositional prowess, releasing premiere recordings and boosting his profile worldwide. He sees this as a transformative experience, not just for himself but also as a chance to advocate for other independent Australian artists.
Simone Slattery, a violinist and co-artistic director of the Bowerbird Collective, will leverage the fellowship to create new works and performances. The Bowerbird Collective is an arts organization with a unique mission: to explore the intersection of art and science, advocating for environmental conservation and endangered species, especially in regional Australia. Slattery acknowledges the challenges of forging a non-traditional path in the music industry, but she is grateful for the support that will help her pursue her vision.
The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) has recognized the leadership and vibrancy these alumni bring to the classical and contemporary art music scene in Australia. Nick Bailey, ANAM's managing director, praised the strength of the applications, highlighting the impact these musicians have on their communities and their role as cultural ambassadors for Australia.
This fellowship is a powerful reminder of the impact of investment in the arts and the potential it holds to shape the cultural landscape. It's an exciting development for these emerging performers, and we can't wait to see the artistic journeys they embark on.
