Minderoo Artist Fund recipients 2025. Image Credit: Minderoo Foundation.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) Alumnus Holden Sheppard has been announced the winner of the Minderoo Artist Award, receiving $50,000 for his ability to innovate, collaborate and leverage his time as a 2023 Artist Fund recipient - a program designed to support artists to be bold at a crucial time in their career.
Holden Sheppard, who graduated from ECU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts Honours in 2012, and a Diploma of Language Studies in 2014, wrote the sequel to his debut novel Invisible Boys while taking part in the program. Achieving huge success, Invisible Boys has now been adapted for television as a ten-episode Stan Original Series.
Author Holden Sheppard. Image Credit: Instagram
In total nine WA artists were recognised at an awards ceremony in Perth's CBD to take part in the Minderoo Artist Fund program, three of them are ECU Alumni.
Laura Boynes, who graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) in 2006, and a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) Honours in 2008 received a $35,000 grant from the Minderoo Artist Fund for her work with artists of mixed abilities. A proud ECU Alumna, Laura is both a celebrated choreographer and dance artist.
Mark Coles Smith, who graduated with a Cert 3 Theatre (Aboriginal) in 2004 also received a $35,000 grant. Known widely by his stage name 'Kalaji', he is an actor, writer and musician based in Broome. His project, Kalaji 2 is an eight-track electronic music album exploring his Nyikina spirituality and resilience.
Alumna Emma Fishwick, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) in 2009, Bachelor of Arts (Dance) Honours in 2011, a Master of Performing Arts (Performing Arts) in 2019, and a PhD recipient in 2024 received a six-week residency at Forrest Hall for her new dance work project.
"We are beyond proud to see our ECU Alumni being recognised for their ongoing contributions to art and culture, well beyond their studies. These artists pursue their chosen practice in such meaningful ways that it inspires whole communities," ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said.
"We are grateful for our partnership with Minderoo Foundation, with programs such as the Minderoo Artist Fund furthering individual artistic careers and allowing wider communities to thrive."
ECU and Minderoo Foundation: A transformational partnership
In 2024 ECU and Minderoo Foundation announced a transformational $30 million, 25-year philanthropic partnership to advance Australian arts and culture by supporting a state-of-the-art new home for the university's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Minderoo Foundation's donation will support ECU and WAAPA's bold vision to deliver nation-leading performance and learning venues within the new ECU City campus, as well as internationally distinguished performance training for emerging artists.
The biggest-ever gift to the performing arts in Australia will support the future excellence and sustainability of the revered performing arts training academy in Perth's first comprehensive inner city university campus.
ECU proudly recognise Minderoo Foundation as Principal Partner of WAAPA.
