Clarence Valley artist Julie Hutchings has been awarded the 2017 Yulgilbar Travelling Fellowship and plans to travel to France next year to conduct artistic research and develop a body of work relating to Australia’s Indigenous Diggers. Supported and initiated by the Yulgilbar Foundation and the Grafton Regional Gallery, the Yulgilbar Fellowship was on offer for Clarence Valley artists to travel and develop their professional practice using funds of $11,000. Julie will travel to France to coincide with ANZAC Day next year and will visit a number of significant memorials and historical sites relating to Australia’s involvement in World War I and the Diggers who lost their lives, including Aboriginal Australian soldiers. As well as being for professional development, this journey has personal significance for Julie as two of her great uncles lost their lives on the Western Front, including one who was the first Aboriginal soldier recorded to have lost his life in the battle at Villers-Bretonneux. Grafton Regional Gallery director, Jude McBean, said she was pleased the Yulgilbar Fellowship was awarded to Julie by the independent panel of five arts and business professionals. “This year saw outstanding applications for the fellowship and I did not envy the panel’s work in selecting only one,” she said. “Julie’s artistic practice has gone from strength to strength over the years and the Yulgilbar Fellowship will provide a great opportunity for professional development through research of events and issues that are both historically and personally significant to her.” Julie Hutchings also expressed her gratitude and excitement for receiving the Fellowship. “I feel very privileged and honoured to be awarded the Yulgilbar Fellowship, and look forward to being able to do this fantastic opportunity justice,” she said.