Jordan wins prestigious scholarship

The $50,000 Marten Bequest Scholarship from the Australia Council is one of the richest prizes young artists can receive.

So we are overjoyed to announce a second former student from The McDonald College has been awarded one.

Jordan Micallef left us a few years ago to join the English National Ballet School, this month he was announced as one of seven new scholarship recipients, and the only dancer.

The McDonald College Principal Maxine Kohler described Jordan as a sensitive student.

“Jordan is committed, intelligent, humble, appreciative and very talented,” she said.

Jordan’s scholarship follows that awarded to Harrison Lee in 2017. Harrison left The McDonald College for the Royal Ballet School and has since been accepted into the Royal Ballet Company.

The Australia Council says the bequest is intended to give talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either interstate and/or overseas.

“The scholarships provide financial support under the categories acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing, to help talented Australian artists achieve their dreams.” 

The scholarship is named after John Chisholm Marten (1908 – 1966), who was born in Kent, England and moved to Australia at a young age, residing in Sydney for his adult life. John Marten was a theatrical artist and well known for his appreciation and support of the arts community.

A strong advocate for the artistic capabilities of young Australians, John understood the costs involved in study and training programs and established The Marten Bequest through a charitable trust.