The 2011 Ford Scholarship, sponsored by local business leaders Chris and Helen Ford, was awarded to a graduate fine arts student by the Hunter TAFE Foundation on Wednesday 23 November at the Front Room Gallery.
The cash grant of $6,000 was awarded to Sophie Toupein a student from the Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts whose submitted portfolio of works was judged as best by a panel of art professionals including Ron Ramsey, Director of the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery.
The Ford Scholarship is designed to support graduate students at a critical point in their career. The scholarship will assist in the development of a body of work for exhibition and help to cover costs such as studio rental, art material and equipment set up.
The Sophie will also have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a special exhibition at the Front Room Gallery in June 2012.
Hunter TAFE Foundation President, John Fitzgerald, said ‘The Fords are significant supporters of Hunter TAFE’s Newcastle Art School and the Hunter TAFE Foundation congratulates Helen and Chris for their continued generosity and commitment to helping these students.’
‘The Hunter TAFE Foundation has a range of sponsors, including local industry and individuals from the community, all with a special interest in enhancing student opportunities in education and training. We are always happy to meet with potential sponsors and create new scholarship and grant opportunities in their area of educational interest,’ said Mr Fitzgerald.
The Hunter TAFE Foundation is a joint partnership between Hunter business, education and community leaders committed to supporting education and training at Hunter TAFE.
The key role of the Foundation is to encourage, support and assist students to achieve their goals through education and training. The Foundation achieves this outcome through the facilitation of prizes, awards, scholarships, financial grants for special projects and to encourage high student performance.