He said the YRAS program will invest in 100 scholarships to the value of $1 million in total over four years, and hopes to see the initiative unearth talent in the area.

“This scholarship program provides an enormous leg-up to talented youth who are dedicated to their art and want to connect with renowned art organisations and training opportunities.

“This program is fostering the next generation of regional artists and helping them to develop their career path.

“Our region is renowned for artistic talent and I encourage our young artists to apply for this career-changing opportunity.”

Mr Grant said he designed the scholarship program to cover all art forms to help young regional artists develop their careers through skill development opportunities.

“This program gives young regional NSW artists and arts and cultural workers the opportunity to pursue a self-directed professional development program and meet leaders in their art form.

“I have been blown away by the achievements of the YRAS Alumni to date and I look forward to further talent being uncovered through this NSW Government program.”

Local artists and arts workers from any art form, including dance, design, digital arts, history, Aboriginal arts, literature, music, theatre, screen and the visual arts can apply.

The scholarships are available to fund activities including mentorships or internships, residencies, short-term courses and workshops, travel and the creation of new work.

For the scholarship, regional NSW is defined as local government areas outside the metropolitan fringe of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

Round Two of the NSW Young Regional Artist Scholarships for 2016-17 is open until Monday, 20 February 2017. For more on the application process, assessment and eligibility criteria, go to www.arts.nsw.gov.au or email arts.funding@arts.nsw.gov.au