Photo: Hands On Bursary recipient Tristan Kane with Mayor Greg Williamson.

From Mirani State High School to working at high-end fashion label ELLERY, this year’s “Hands On” Bursary recipient is already making his mark in the fashion industry.

The $4000 Artspace Mackay Foundation bursary was awarded to Tristan Kane at the public exhibition opening on Friday night.

A highly successful and talented creative in the field of fashion and textile design, Tristan has already been awarded the National Gallery of Australia’s National Summer Art Scholarship in 2015.

Tristan is currently studying at the University of Technology, Sydney, and has been invited to complete his fourth and final Honours year of a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles.

Artspace Foundation president Julie Boyd said the judges were particularly impressed by the presentation of Tristan’s application, especially the quality and contemporary feel of the fashion photographs presented.

“Tristan has an obvious eye for design and his determined dedication to pursuing a career in the arts is evident through his many academic achievements,” Mrs Boyd said.

“Tristan is a rising star of the fashion industry and an artistic talent the Mackay region is very proud of,” she said.

“We wish Tristan every success with his current studies and promising fashion career and thank him for travelling from Sydney to accept this award.”

Tristan’s long-term goal is to work as a fashion and textile designer in the global fashion industry.

He has indicated that he will use the funds from the bursary to further support the funding of his important final collection and major body of work.

This will be presented to an illustrious Australian and international audience of future employers and buyers – an important career moment for future designers.