Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall congratulating Dundee-based young artist Ashley Hansell in Glen Innes today.
DUNDEE-BASED young artist Ashley Hansell has won a $10,000 scholarship in the inaugural NSW Government Young Regional Artists Scholarship program, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall was in Glen Innes today to personally congratulate Ms Hansell on her selection and said he was delighted to see such a talented young local artist and entrepreneur win the scholarship, which will allow her to further develop her skills and grow her fashion label market.
“Ashley has created a fashion business called Spunkit Designs. From her home in Dundee she designs and produces handmade cotton garments, wearable art and accessories and markets them on line,” Mr Marshall said.
“Ashley’s mantra is sustainable and ethical fashion and this scholarship will give her the opportunity to expand her business. She wants to purchase some production machinery and conduct workshops. Ashley hopes to pass on her skills and passion to others and involve them in her business. It’s been her long-time dream and now this scholarship brings it all that much closer.
“It’s a very exciting time for Ashley and as there were only 16 scholarships granted in the state, I commend her for her commitment to her craft and her desire to create sustainable fashion designs.”
Mr Marshall said the NSW Young Regional Scholarship program was a key part of the Government’s new policy framework to guide investment and partnerships to grow a thriving, globally connected arts and cultural sector.
Ms Hansell said she was absolutely thrilled to receive the scholarship and grateful for all the support she had received from the Glen Innes arts community.
“I’ve been jumping around the house all day, this will change my life, it’s wonderful,” Ms Hansell said.
“I actually saw Mr Marshall’s article in the Glen Innes Examiner about the scholarship program opening. I felt my business of hand-making sustainable fashion garments ticked all the boxes and Arts North West and the Glen Innes Art Gallery have been so helpful and supportive.
“I work from my little house on the top of the mountain at Dundee and sell my products on line. I have lots of international customers who are becoming more aware of the impact their clothing choices have on the environment and as this awareness