BUDDING musical theatre star Billie Palin's insistence that young artists in the country can compete with their contemporaries in the big smoke is music to the ears of NSW Arts Minister and state Member for Dubbo Troy Grant.
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Ms Palin,18, and photographer Brook Kellehear-Smith, 23, are the latest Dubbo residents to receive $10,000 each from the Young Regional Artist Scholarship program, a pet project of the minister.
Four young adults living in Dubbo have each received a scholarship since the program was launched at Mr Grant's direction last year.
Ms Palin and Mr Kellehear-Smith visited Mr Grant's office in Dubbo this week to tell him of their plans for the money and their careers.
The young woman who has entertained Dubbo audiences for many years told the minister that the program and its participants from non-metropolitan communities would help break down the mental barriers to artistic careers for young regional artists.
"In regional areas such as Dubbo there are a lot of young artists who have a lot of talent but not the motivation to pursue careers because they've always been told they are up against metropolitan kids who have had more opportunities," Ms Palin said.
"So many of them don't think they have the talent to pursue careers, but I don't believe that."
Mr Grant listened with interest as Ms Palin suggested the program would shift minds and career paths.
The minister told his "happy and excited" visitors that he had created the scholarship program for a "very specific purpose".
"I travel right across NSW through country towns and cities and I see how much talent is on show," he said.
Mr Grant understands that "kids from the bush often don't think they've got the right stuff to make it" but is encouraging them to apply for a scholarship and chase their artistic dreams.
Ms Palin will use her scholarship to travel to London mid-year and take part in musical theatre workshops involving "current West End cast members and agents".
Mr Kellehear-Smith, who presented Mr Grant with a black and white photograph of his grandfather John Kellehear, will study under award-winning photographer Giles Christopher in London and Mike Browne in Iceland.
"What they know you can't learn from a book," Mr Kellehear-Smith said.
"I know it's a hard industry to get into but if I just keep working and striving for the best images, hopefully I get in somewhere.
"This will definitely be a kick-start to my career."
Across four years the program will distribute 100 scholarships totalling $1 million to successful applicants aged 18 to 25 year olds.
For information about the program go to www.arts.nsw.gov.au.
