Every successful artist starts somewhere.

For several decades, Carclew has been helping young South Australian creatives take their next step - providing the funding, mentorship, professional development and opportunities that can turn potential into a career.

Today, Carclew alumni are creating work seen on global stages and screens. Backed by Carclew as a young artist starting out locally, Shabana Azeez’s experience highlights the role early funding and creative community can play in building a career. “Carclew backed me as an early career artist in Adelaide when I was starting out locally and trying to create opportunities for myself. Their support gave me community and the means to upskill - I will always be grateful,” Shabana Azeez. Now recognised internationally for her role in HBO's The Pitt, received support from Carclew early in her creative journey.

Likewise, Lucinda Penn, now a celebrated and award-winning visual artist, with large-scale murals featured at South Australian sites like the Adelaide Markets and the Adelaide Airport, through to community projects from Stirling to Whyalla, said she was so grateful to receive this funding at the start of her career. “I love what I do, working with communities and bringing colour into people’s lives through my art. Looking back, it was grants like this that not only gave me the confidence to keep going, but also being part of the Carclew community was invaluable." - Lucinda Penn. 

These success stories don't happen by accident. They begin when young and emerging artists are given the chance to develop their skills, test ideas, create new work and connect with opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Demand for support has never been greater. Each funding round receives far more high-quality applications than we can fund, meaning many outstanding projects and talented young artists miss out despite the strength of their ideas.

Your donation will help provide grants, fellowships, mentoring and career development opportunities for South Australia's next generation of artists, musicians, performers, writers and creatives.

By supporting early career artists today, you're investing in the future of South Australia's creative sector.

Because every established artist was once an emerging artist looking for their first opportunity.

Click through to our website to learn more about our most recent incredibly talented Fellowship and Project & Development grant recipients.

Carclew is a not-for-profit organisation with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Your donation is tax deductible.

If you have any queries at all or would like further information, please contact Marya Khan at mkhan@carclew.org.au.

Photos: (1) Coles Local Avenues, Mural, Lucinda Penn (LCND), St Peters, 2025, image supplied by artist. (2) "Creative Safari" Mural for Studio Safari, Lucinda Penn (LCND), ADL CBD, 2022, image credit Urban Safari.