Taman Siswa

Queensland-based songwriters have until Friday to submit their entries for the inaugural $20,000 Grant McLennan Fellowship before applications close.

Acting Premier Anna Bligh urged aspiring and practising songwriters to complete and send in their applications for a chance to further their careers.

“Enquiries about the Grant McLennan Fellowship have been received from across the state and I urge anyone considering applying to give it a go,” Ms Bligh said.

“The Fellowship offers the recipient a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to London, New York or Berlin and immerse themselves in the cultural and music scene in each of these cities.

“This unique Fellowship reflects Grant’s strong belief that exposure to other cultures was an invaluable creative influence for his own songwriting.

“Grant was born in Rockhampton and spent his early years in Far North Queensland before moving to Brisbane to attend university. Later of course he performed around the world with the Go-Betweens.”

Ms Bligh said that the McLennan family and had been closely involved in developing the Fellowship and were especially keen for regional songwriters to apply. Grant’s long-time collaborator Robert Forster also was backing the initiative.

“Many of Grant’s songs evoke the imagery of his regional childhood, such as his autobiographical masterpiece, Cattle and Cane,” Ms Bligh said.

“It was named by the Australian Performing Rights Association as one of the 10 greatest Australian songs.

“He was a sublimely talented singer, poet and composer whose lyrics capture a singularly Queensland spirit.”

Applications close Friday 30 March with the first Fellowship recipient to be announced in July. For guidelines and applications, visit the Arts Queensland website www.arts.qld.gov.au or call ( 07 ) 3224 4896 or 1800 175 531.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s office on 3224 6900