The Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship is a gift that keeps on giving

Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) has long served as a hub for emerging talent, nurturing artists who have gone on to make significant contributions to contemporary art both in Australia and abroad. Recognising the importance of supporting these artists beyond their studies, the Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship was established to provide SCA graduates with crucial opportunities for professional development and has helped practicing artists across all disciplines expand their horizons, deepen their craft, and build essential international networks.

The prestigious award has been made possible through the generosity of Renée Fauvette Erdos (BA ’33, DipEd ’34), an alumna of the University of Sydney. This scholarship, established in 1997, honours Erdos' mother, Fauvette Loureiro, and is a powerful testament to the enduring impact that philanthropy can have in the arts.

Erdos’ gift in will has empowered generations of artists by enabling them to explore new territories in their practice through travel and professional development. As Professor Julie Rrap, Co-Director of SCA, said: “This bequest has been a gift that keeps on giving. Every year, the Fauvette Loureiro bequest has enabled SCA to award several scholarships to our students, as well as alumni, to support their development. We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to former graduates of SCA, so that they can forge vital new connections and expand their practice through their chosen travel plans.”

A platform for emerging and established artists

The Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship remains one of the few prizes dedicated to supporting both emerging and mid-career artists in Australia. Offering $10,000 for emerging artists and $30,000 for mid-career or established artists, the scholarship provides recipients with the means to embark on self-directed travel that expands their horizons, professionally and personally.

This year, SCA graduates Leigh Rigozzi and Szymon Dorabialski were the recipients of the scholarship. Rigozzi, who received the mid-career artist scholarship, is known for his intricate adaptations of 16th-century Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel’s works. His series of paintings, The Complete Works of Pieter Bruegel (2022-2024), integrates his life in Lutruwita/Tasmania with Bruegel’s classic scenes. Rigozzi plans to use the funds to tour major collections of Bruegel’s paintings in Belgium, Italy, and Spain, deepening his connection to the Flemish artist and further developing his artistic practice.

Meanwhile, emerging artist Szymon Dorabialski’s work, Fallen From Grace, Hungover From Divine (2024), captivated the scholarship judges with its exploration of Slavic symbolism and its use of glass, copper, and cedar. With the scholarship, Dorabialski will travel to Poland to immerse himself in his Slavic heritage, a journey that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his future work.

The lasting impact of philanthropy

For many artists, the opportunity to travel and engage with new artistic environments is transformative. Renée Erdos’ gift has created a pathway for these opportunities, allowing recipients to push the boundaries of their work.

Past winners, such as Emily Hunt, have experienced profound shifts in their careers thanks to this support. Hunt, a ceramics artist and the 2022 scholarship winner for mid-career/established artists, is currently based in Berlin. Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, she told ArtsHub: “There have been two points in my artist career when I felt very grounded and confident in my work, that was in 2014 and right now [after winning the scholarship].” Hunt added: “The scholarship from Sydney University [Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship] represents something very significant to me, the institution still supports my work. It is the defining moment after everything I have experienced in the last few years.” Her journey after receiving the scholarship culminated in a solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, which ran until October 2024, solidifying her place within the Australian contemporary art scene.

A call for continued support

The Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship demonstrates the critical role philanthropy plays in nurturing creativity. As opportunities for students and emerging artists remain limited, gifts in will like the one made by Renée Erdos are more important than ever. The arts, often underfunded and overlooked, rely heavily on the generosity of donors to provide artists with the resources they need to grow, take risks, and develop their practice.

Without this crucial support, many talented artists may never have the opportunity to explore their full potential. The chance to travel, connect with international networks, and engage with new ideas not only shapes the artists themselves but also enriches the broader cultural landscape of Australia.

A bright future for SCA artists

As the 2024 Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship exhibition unfolds, showcasing the works of ten exceptional finalists, the legacy of both Renée Erdos and Fauvette Loureiro continues to inspire future generations of artists. The exhibition, running from 26 September to 2 November 2024, highlights a range of artistic practices, from painting and sculpture to installation and ceramics, offering the public a glimpse into the creativity and innovation nurtured at Sydney College of the Arts.

As we look to the future, we are reminded of the powerful role that donors can play in shaping the trajectory of the arts. Gifts and bequests, no matter the size, create ripples that touch countless lives, ensuring that creativity, innovation, and artistic expression continue to flourish.

The Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship Exhibition will run from 26 September – 2 November 2024.

SCA Gallery is open Monday - Friday, 11am-5pm, and Saturday, 12-4pm.