ANAM is delighted to announce the latest recipients of the Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowships for 2025. Alumni Kaylie Melville (percussion, 2015) and Eliza Shephard (flute, 2018) will each receive $50,000 per year for two years, plus mentorship from industry professionals, to establish their own independent artistic practice.
The Fellowships, which are made possible through the generous support of the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, are awarded to ANAM alumni who have achieved an outstanding level of musical and technical proficiency in their chosen instrument, and who demonstrate artistic vision and resilience along with a desire to grow and contribute to Australia's cultural life. For five years from 2024-2028, two Fellowships will be awarded each year to two ANAM alumni, valued at $100,000 each ($50,000 per year).
ANAM General Manager Nick Bailey, said "The applications from a wide range of ANAM alumni for this opportunity have demonstrated their leadership of the sector, and the vibrancy of Australia’s classical and contemporary music scene. I am very proud of the distinct inquisitive musical personality and courageous artistic vision that is forming within our musicians who have trained at ANAM over the last few decades.”
"We are deeply appreciative of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust for their support of these musicians by way of this visionary Fellowship."
The Fellowship allows Kaylie the opportunity to expand the artistic output and opportunities for the ANAM alumni ensemble Rubiks Collective, of which she is Co-Artistic Director. "I am incredibly grateful to have been selected as one of the recipients of the Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowships," says Kaylie. "It has allowed me to dream big about the next steps for my career. To now be supported to make my creative dreams a reality is life-changing. I am so excited to be able to dedicate time and energy to new projects, showcasing the brilliance of Australian art music on national and international stages."
Eliza's ongoing work championing Australian flute repertoire, particularly of female composers through her project March of the Women, resounded with the selection panel. "The Fellowship provides me with a platform to build upon pre-existing projects and develop newfound creative adventures that are in line with my output as a performer, educator, and collaborator." says Eliza. "It will assist me to develop international collaborations and implement ventures that I've been visualising for some time. I look forward to sharing my passion for the Australian musical landscape, and expanding my experience, expertise and collaborative community over the next two years and beyond under the guidance of the Ian Potter Cultural Trust and my ANAM community."
CEO of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, Paul Conroy, said “Congratulations to Eliza Shephard and Kaylie Melville, our newest Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowship recipients. We are delighted to be continuing this Fellowship program with ANAM as it encapsulates The Ian Potter Cultural Trust’s commitment to supporting the professional development of exceptional Australian artists. We are proud to support the Fellows in realising their unique artistic endeavours over the next two years.”
The inaugural recipients of the Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowship, Mee Na Lojewski (cello, 2014) and Katie Yap (viola, 2014), are currently mid-way through their two-year Fellowship, having commenced in 2024.
As cellist and administrator of the award-winning Affinity Quartet, the Fellowship has allowed Mee Na to further develop her advocacy skills, and to expand touring opportunities for 2025. Affinity Quartet will appear at the Adelaide Festival for the first time in 2025, in a series of performances curated by David Harrington of the Kronos Quartet.
Katie maintained a busy schedule of performances across Australia in 2024, and will utilise the Fellowship to undertake several periods of creative development to sow the seeds for future artistic collaborations and compositional projects. She is currently based in Hobart and will be expanding her work with Van Diemen's Band through a Curation Fellowship in 2025-26.
ANAM offers its congratulations to Kaylie and Eliza as the recipients of the 2025 Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowships, and we look forward to hearing of the exciting creative endeavours of all four Fellows next year, and in the years to follow as they become leaders of Australia's vibrant music community.
Words by Laura Panther, Senior Alumni Coordinator
Image Credits: Kaylie Melville by Bryony Jackson, Eliza Shephard by Cameron Jamieson, Mee Na Lojewski with Affinity Quartet by David Rogers Photography, Katie Yap with harpsichordist Donald Nicolson by Albert Comper