Queensland Conservation | 166 Ann Street, Brisbane Q 4000
Phone 07 3211 0188 | Fax 07 3229 7992
For immediate release
8 July 2009
Art making a difference to the environment
An innovative new partnership between the Australia Council for the Arts and Queensland
Conservation Council will see $15,000 mentorships going to young and emerging artists to tackle
environmental challenges in their work.
The mentorships will involve artists being mentored by environmental activists to learn about issues
ranging from climate change to biodiversity conservation to develop an artistic piece which brings
together the environment, community and art. Artists will also receive support from community art
organisation, Feral Arts, based in Brisbane.
Ryan Dillon, Queensland Conservation Executive Member says the HELM-Arts (Healthy Environment
Leadership Mentoring) project is innovative because it helps develop a new generation of artistic
leadership.
“This project will expose, train and support young artists and shape them into effective leaders who
can advocate for a sustainable world through their art,” Dillon says.
“Queensland Conservation, the peak body for more than 60 environmental groups in Queensland, is
well placed to build closer links with the art sector,” Dillon says, “and we are hoping to attract
nominations from a broad range of artists, geographical locations and ethnic backgrounds.”
“We created the term HELM-Arts as we feel it is up to young people to take the helm and lead the
way with environmental change,” Dillon says.
Expressions of interest close 3 August 2009 and further information is available online at
am2.
Ryan Dillon is available for interview.
Media enquiries:
Samantha Morris, Project Manager Queensland Conservation
Phone 0421 709 519
Email sam@wombatcreative.com.au
NEWS 
