Two local young artists have been awarded Wollongong City Council’s Youth Artist Residency Program for 2011/12.

The program offers emerging artists aged 18 to 24 $2000 in funding for materials and equipment, as well as free creative development and mentoring with an established artist.

The chosen resident artist will also receive six to 12 months studio space, and the opportunity to stage an exhibition at the Youth Centre during their tenure.

Council’s Manager of Community, Cultural and Library Services, Jenny Thompson, said the Youth Artist Residency Program is a great opportunity for young artists to build a foundation for their future careers.

“The program is a great chance for emerging artists to help establish themselves and gain an audience for their work,” Jenny Thompson said.

“The standard of applications was very high and so this year we decided to award two residencies.  This year’s resident artists are Carly O’Connell and Amy McCarthy.”

Carly O'Connell is an emerging 23 year old local artist. She recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts at West Wollongong TAFE and is currently studying at Charles Sturt University (Bachelor of Fine Arts). Carly's passion lies in exploring human emotions through painting and drawing techniques.

Amy McCarthy will soon be graduating with a Bachelor of Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong. Amy finds inspiration working with small groups of young people, in assisting them to experiment through a broad range of art media and topics.

The two artists in residence will be mentored by previous artist in residence, Emma-Lee Crane. Emma-Lee has gone on to manage and own the art and design retail outlet ‘Milk Thieves’ which is based in Wollongong.

Being based at Wollongong Youth Centre will allow the two Artists in Residence to engage in regular discussions and exchange of ideas with other young people in the community.