String players receive Australia’s Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowship

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The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) has announced the recipients of the Ian Potter Emerging Performers Fellowships for 2026-27.

Both alumni of ANAM, violist Matt Laing (2013) and violinist Simone Slattery (2011) will each receive AUD50,000 for two years, as well as mentorship from industry professionals, to establish their own independent artistic practice.

Made possible by the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, the fellowships are awarded to ANAM alumni who have demonstrated outstanding musical ability and artistic vision with their instrument, as well as desire to grow and contribute to Australia’s cultural life.

As a violist and composer, the fellowship will allow Laing to publish his compositional portfolio, release premiere recordings of his works and boost his profile both in Australia and internationally.

Describing the fellowship as ‘transformative’, Laing says ’it also comes with a responsibility to lead and advocate for the practices of other independent Australian artists, and I’m really excited by the opportunity to explore what that looks like over the coming years.’

The fellowship will allow Slattery to produce new works and performances in her capacity as co-artistic director and founder of the Bowerbird Collective, an arts organisation that seeks to explore links between art and science, to advocate for the conservation of the environment and endangered species, particularly throughout regional Australia.

She said: ’Forging a non-traditional path in the music industry is a thrilling but at times precarious task, and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, it is an immeasurable gift to be given such support along the way.’

’The strength of the applications from our ANAM alumni for this opportunity have demonstrated their leadership of the sector, and the vibrancy of classical and contemporary art music in Australia,’ said ANAM’s managing director, Nick Bailey.

’Our alumni are to be commended for their contribution to music making and education to their communities across the country, and internationally as Australia’s cultural ambassadors.’