The Gift Fund

Established to nurture exceptional local talent, the Arts Gold Coast Foundation Gift Fund exists to support gifted young artists who demonstrate outstanding potential but face financial barriers to advancing their practice.

Arts Gold Coast Foundation is the catalyst for cultural growth and artistic innovation. We champion emerging talent, nurture creative ambition, and unite communities through the transformative power of the arts. By expanding opportunities and amplifying voices, we ensure the Gold Coast shines as a beacon of creativity – where culture thrives and talent is celebrated.

What is the Gift Fund?

Sustained through private philanthropy, the Gift Fund provides annual grants to emerging artists living and working on the Gold Coast, enabling them to deepen their skills, access professional development opportunities, and progress confidently within their chosen disciplines.

Originally launched in December 2006, the Fund has been generously supported by individual donors and benefactors, including a significant bequest from the late Beverly and Jock Mcllwain, whose legacy continues to shape creative futures across our city.

The Gift Fund is a registered public fund, overseen by the Arts Gold Coast Foundation Board, which steward the trust with integrity and purpose. Their shared ambition is both clear and enduring: to grow the Fund responsibly and expand its impact, ensuring an increasing number of young creatives are supported each year.

Applications are open exclusively to Gold Coast residents, reinforcing our commitment to cultivating local talent and strengthening the cultural fabric of our community.

Applications

The Arts Gold Coast Foundation Gift Fund Board resides over the trust and their goal is to provide annual grants to emerging artists on the Gold Coast. Only Gold Coast residents are eligible to apply in June each year.

Beverly Mcllwain Award Recipients

2024 Beverly Mcllwain Award Recipient

Allegra Clarke

Allegra Clarke is an outstanding emerging talent whose exceptional musicianship has been recognised with her selection into the prestigious Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists Program for 2024.

As the youngest musician accepted into any AYO program this year, Allegra demonstrates remarkable promise, dedication, and artistic maturity, positioning her as a rising star with significant potential for future impact in Australia’s musical landscape.

2025 Beverly McLLwain Award Recipient

Nicholas Massouras

Nicholas Massouras is a Bachelor of Music (Performance) student at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, this emerging vocalist has built a strong foundation through diverse operatic roles and chorus work across major Conservatorium productions.

Alongside their performance practice, they are actively developing a career in arts administration, contributing to leading programs and festivals including the Lisa Gasteen National Opera Program, State Honours Ensemble Program, Voxalis Opera, and the Queensland Art Song Festival.