2024 Catapult Artists Announced

Three regional artists – Emma Fuss, Lottie Emma and Rebecca Flack – are among the seven diverse visual artists, craftspeople and designers who will be supported through the 2024 Catapult Mentorship program.

Port Lincoln painter Emma will work with WA- based artist Lori Pensini to push her boundaries and expand the concepts and narratives within her work. While textile artist Lottie, from Inman Valley, will collaborate with SA artist Kasia Tons to develop an authentic, experimental textile practice.

And Loxton photographer Rebecca Flack will partner with Utah-based photographer Yan Palmer to foster a more intentional creative path and enhance storytelling in her work.

Emma was super excited to learn she had been awarded the mentorship.

“The first hurdle to jump was getting my mentor Lori to agree and then when she said yes, I thought with a mentor of that calibre I was perhaps a good chance to get a (Catapult) Mentorship,” she said.

“ I applied because I felt I had gotten into a pattern of repeating myself with my still life. I feel like I’ve kicked a few little goals. But I’d reached a stage of what next? I want to explore some more conceptual narratives and hopefully create some more interesting work going forward.”    

The Guildhouse Catapult Mentorship program is highly sought after and Guildhouse interim CEO Merinda Edwards acknowledged the high calibre of unique applications in 2024 from artists across the breadth of SA.

“We are excited to see stories evolve, and artists develop skills to realise their goals. I would like to highlight the generosity and support of our Creative Champions, who provide essential support for these wonderful opportunities alongside Country Arts and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. We at Guildhouse are so proud to be a part of supporting artists flourish and help grow the innovative, creative tapestry of South Australia.”

Demonstrating Guildhouse’s commitment to regional South Australian artists, the partnership with Country Arts SA and the generous support of the Country Arts Foundation continues to provide funding dedicated to regional practitioners. As shown by the three recipients, the strength of regional applicants was outstanding this year. Country Arts SA Visual Arts Manager Lauren Mustillo said it was a testament to the “significance of their practices within localised, statewide and national arts ecologies”.

“The selected recipients put forward proposals which will propel and strengthen their careers, technical skillset, and concept development. We are thrilled to see them supported and will be eagerly following their journey,” she said.

Country Arts SA has partnered with Guildhouse since 2021 to provide regional visual artists with essential funding and support to further their artistic practice through a meaningful mentorship through their Catapult program.

Artists receive $5000 to undertake a bespoke learning opportunity guided by a mentor of their choosing. Catapult mentorships allow artists to develop their artistic practice and are tailored by the applicant to suit the needs of their artistic practice and current career goals.

Mentorships have been awarded to a diverse mix of artists across many mediums and focuses, with an ambitious drive to build on existing skills and extend the development and professionalism of practice.

Visit the Guildhouse website to read about past recipients and find out more about Catapult, including eligibility, key resources, application criteria and FAQS.

Catapult is generously funded through the Guildhouse Creative Champions donor program, Country Arts SA, Country Arts Foundation and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.

Image: Recipient Emma Fuss