Australia recognizes artistic links to Asia

The government of Australia is accepting nominations for a new awards program that recognizes the role its artists play in enhancing the country's relationship with Asian countries.

Arts Minister Tony Burke announced the awards program in mid-June. Eligible artists and arts organizations can nominate themselves for the awards or be nominated by a third party. Nominations will be accepted until Sunday.

"On my recent trip to China and India, I was impressed by the range of Australian artists and arts organizations working there in strong collaborative partnerships with Asian arts organizations," Burke said at the announcement ceremony. "The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, for example, is working with China's National Centre for the Performing Arts and the National Library of Australia with the National Library of China."

Burke said he was also impressed by many Australian filmmakers who are developing creative projects with their Indian and Chinese counterparts. "They are the sorts of initiatives the Australian Arts in Asia Awards will recognize," he said.

Australian artists, arts organizations and institutions that have been engaged in Asia between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, are eligible for the awards. "The nominated project must have been performed, exhibited, toured, produced or developed in an Asian country or with an Asian partner during this time," according to the awards guidelines.

Awards will be presented in 14 categories: partnerships, philanthropy, indigenous, community engagement, innovation, individual artist, small- to medium-size arts organizations, major arts organizations, visual art, literature, theater, music, and digital and film.