State Library Victoria calls for 2016 Fellowship applications

Artists, performers, writers, historians, filmmakers, scholars and thinkers are encouraged to apply for a prestigious State Library Victoria Fellowship.

In 2016, the State Library and its partners are offering 12 fellowships collectively worth up to $154,500. Among these are specialist fellowships in children’s literature, Ukrainian studies, performing arts, visual arts and a fellowship to commemorate the centenary of WWI.  

CEO Kate Torney said the Fellowship program supports a diverse range of creative work and research. 

“The State Library’s Fellowships have been one of the most substantial fellowship programs in Australia for thirteen years.  With the generous support of our program partners the Fellowships have furthered the work of more than 190 artists, historians, composers, academics, playwrights, writers, poets and other creative researchers and delivered over $1.9 million in funding.

“This month marks 160 years since the library first opened to the public. It has provided inspiration and ideas to generations of Victorians. Our Fellowships are a way for us to amplify the creative possibilities the library allows, encouraging innovative exploration and use our extensive collections.

“As we move into an exciting period of redevelopment, our Fellowship program will remain a strong part of our support for Victoria’s creative communities,” Ms Torney said.

In 2016 the library aims to bring people together to experience and celebrate the work of our Fellows through performances, publications, websites, screenings, talks, exhibitions and other events at the library and venues around Victoria.

Past fellowships have produced major exhibitions, public art installations, documentaries, books, graphic novels, plays, musical scores, interactive games and many other creative projects.

Applications for the 2016-17 Fellowships open Monday 1 February and close Sunday 17 April 2016.

An information night will be held on Thursday 18 February, 6pm at State Library Victoria. Enter via Entry 3 on La Trobe Street.

Applications are now open:

State Library Victoria Creative Fellowships

Six fellowships are available to artists and scholars as individuals or collaborative partnerships for developing innovative ways to express the Library’s collections. Each fellowship is worth: $12,500

Centenary of WWI Fellowship

A fellowship for researchers including historians, artists, illustrators and scholars for works exploring a subject related to Victorians at home and abroad during the First World War (1914-1918) and its aftermath. This fellowship is worth: $12,500

Children’s Literature Fellowship

A specialist fellowship for exploring children’s book publishing, writing or illustrating. This fellowship is worth: $12,500

Berry Family Fellowship

A specialist fellowship for exploring an aspect of the social history of Melbourne or Victoria. This fellowship is worth: $12,500

The Amor Residency at Baldessin Press Studio

In association with the Baldessin Press, the Amor Residency at St. Andrews is available to a visual artist wishing to explore works on paper, in particular printmaking or artists’ books. The offer may include accommodation, printmaking tuition/ technical support, materials or editioning to the sum of $5000.

Ukrainian Studies Foundation in Australia Fellowship

Presented with the support of the Ukrainian Studies Foundation in Australia, this is specialist fellowship for applicants interested in exploring Ukrainian history and culture. The fellowship is for five months full-time or longer if taken part time. This fellowship is worth: $22,000

Redmond Barry Fellowship

In association with the University of Melbourne, the Redmond Barry Fellowship is available to scholars and writers for the production of literary works. The fellow is allows for three-to-six months’ research. This fellowship is worth: up to $20,000

Honorary fellowships may also be awarded. These fellows receive the same benefits as funded fellows, without the monetary grant. 

The Fellowships are funded by the State Library Victoria Foundation and other program partners and awarded annually on the advice of independent expert panels.

Recipients of the Fellowships for 2016-17 will be officially welcomed in July 2016.

Further information http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/our-community/fellows-scholars 

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