The Commonwealth Foundation has launched its 2005 Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards -- a scheme for young artists and craftspeople who show promise and initiative, but have had little opportunity to work abroad. Every two years, up to 10 awards are made to craftspeople and artists aged between 20 and 35. The award scheme is intended to help winning artists explore their art in another Commonwealth country. It enables them to work alongside other artists or within an arts institution for between three and six months. "These awards promote international understanding through collaboration and exchange, and demonstrate what the Commonwealth is all about -- diversity, sharing and building bridges," says Colin Ball, the Foundation's Director. The scheme aims to increase mutual understanding between people from different Commonwealth cultures through the arts; to raise awareness of these cultures among artists and craftspeople, in particular; to enable this category of people to develop their artistic as well as personal and organisational skills; and to spread understanding among arts organisations and communities of art and culture in the Commonwealth. The awards range between £3,000 and £6,000 -- depending on the country being visited and the length of the visit -- and cover airfares, fees, living expenses and the cost of mounting an exhibition. Applications are open to citizens from Commonwealth countries. Eligible art forms include basketry, ceramics, decorative arts, glass, installation art, jewellery, painting, papier maché, printmaking, recycled materials, sculpture, silversmithing, textiles and woodcarving. The award scheme does not cover photography or graphic design. The Foundation is looking for original arts and crafts with strong identities, which are rooted in their own traditions and have the potential to develop further. Applications will be judged by panels of professional artists and administrators with wide experience in arts and crafts in the Commonwealth. Winners are encouraged to travel to a country outside their own region in the Commonwealth which includes Africa; Asia; Canada and Europe; the Caribbean; and the Pacific. Applications should be sent to: The Project Manager, Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards, Commonwealth Foundation, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HY, United Kingdom. The closing date is 31 March 2005 and an award must be taken up by December 2005. SOURCE: CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service