Guidelines: State Library Victoria Fellowships

Read the guidelines for our Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Research Fellowships.

Program objectives and requirements

Program objectives include:

• showcasing the Library as a hub for creative activity and research
• fostering and enabling creative use of the State Collection
• creating opportunities for the wider community to discover and access the Library’s collections through fellows’ works in progress and final outcomes
• contributing to cultural growth in Victoria
• continuing to support the creative and cultural sectors impacted by COVID-19.

During the 12-month period of tenure, fellows will be required to:

• provide two progress updates either face-to-face or via online conferencing
• participate in an open studio program
• be available for media and interviews and contribute content for use in Library and external channels
• grant the Library first right of publication in any format of the results of their research or creative endeavour
• freely deposit published material developed during the fellowship
• acknowledge the support of the Library, and use the branding of the Library in any publication or promotion
• attend all program-related events as required
• submit a short report at the conclusion of the fellowship detailing the benefits of the experience.

Fellows may also be invited to share their work in progress or research through Library channels, including:

• contributing to the La Trobe Journal
• participating in staff and public presentations
• providing of blogs posts and/or visual diary
• participating in public programs and events.

Projects that have planned public outcomes, whatever the format or timeline, are desirable.

Please note that project proposals with public outcomes involving Library spaces and staff will undergo a separate assessment process, should the applicant be granted a fellowship.

All successful fellows must be available on the following dates:

• Induction period: 28–29 November 2022
• Announcement: 22 or 23 November 2022
• Open Studio: 2023 (exact date TBC)

What does a fellowship offer?

Over a 12-month period, fellows are provided with:

• space in a shared office in the historic dome annulus
• a grant that can be used to assist with travel, research and living expenses
• access to liaison Librarians who will connect fellows to collections and staff with specialist expertise.

After conclusion of the program, fellows can also access opportunities to engage with Fellows Alumni events and programs.

Who can apply?

• Applications are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents in any discipline or form of expression.
• Digital media artists, visual artists, musicians and composers, writers in all disciplines and subjects, independent scholars and creators working either in collaboration or independently are eligible to apply.
• Projects that have already commenced, are supported by other funding bodies or are covered by a publishing contract are eligible.
• Academics with access to paid study leave as part of their employment conditions and projects that are supported by university-derived funding are not eligible to apply.
• Projects that are part of examination requirements towards a degree or similar qualification are not eligible.
• Previous recipients of a funded fellowship are not eligible to apply, however previous Honourary Fellows are permitted to apply again to a funded fellowship.

How do I apply?

Applicants are asked to fill out a SmartyGrants application form, in which they’ll describe how they’ll use the Library’s collection to create an original work, as well as the outcome of that work, even if it will not be completed in the 12-month fellowship period.

This outcome is defined and agreed on at the start of your fellowship if you are successful.

Examples of past fellows’ outcomes include publications, articles, public programs, performances, installations, media, works on paper, textile design and garments, websites, exhibitions, podcasts and oral histories.

You may include supporting documents and examples of past work and research.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 September 2022.

How are projects selected?

• Successful applicants must demonstrate that their project is original, and will make significant use of, or contribution to, the Library collections.
• Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by an independent selection panel. The panel will also receive the complete list of applications and panel members are able to call into consideration applications that are not on the shortlist.
• Following the selection panel meeting, referees are contacted, and applicants may also be requested to present at an interview.
• The selection panel’s recommendation and a report are prepared for the Library Board of Victoria for endorsement.
• Following the acceptance of the offers of fellowships, unsuccessful applicants are advised by email.

What happens to my intellectual property?

• All copyright in the works created by a recipient during the course of a fellowship continues to vest in the creator.

Cultural protocols

Any fellowship applications that have an Australian Indigenous focus or Australian Indigenous content have to show a connection to the Australian Indigenous communities relevant to your project. This could be either:

• a letter of support (from a member of the Indigenous community)
• a partnered or joint fellowship application

Observing and following cultural protocols is necessary to ensure cultural integrity across your project.

Need more information?

Please contact us at [email protected]. We will endeavour to respond to your query within three to five weekdays.