Guidelines: State Library Victoria Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Research Fellowship

Objectives & outcomes 

• To support Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal researchers to identify cultural knowledge in the Library’s collections. 
• To make knowledge about Victorian Aboriginal society in the Library’s collections more accessible to Aboriginal people through the outcomes of fellowship projects. 
• To contribute to the research being undertaken by the Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal Research Group. 
• Fellows will be given the time, space and support to undertake their research. 

Outcomes from a fellowship project may include: 

• piecing together Indigenous knowledge from the collections to inform cultural practice in the community, for example identifying designated cultural territory 
• producing research material for the community. 

Fellows will also: 

• make at least one community presentation on their research process or the results of their research 
• explore opportunities with the Library to publish the results of their research 
• provide relevant website content e.g. blog posts or social media)
• develop a research work plan in consultation with the Koori Librarian
• be available for publicity purposes, such as NITV and ABC Open, to promote the results of the fellowship 
• acknowledge the support of the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre, and use the branding of the Library in any publication or promotion 
• submit a short report at the conclusion of the fellowship providing feedback on the experience. 

What does a fellowship offer? 

• A grant that can be used to assist with travel, research and living expenses. 
• Space in a shared office accessible outside normal Library hours. 
• Special access to collections and staff expertise. 

Can I apply? 

• If you identify as an Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal person, you are eligible to apply. 
• Independent, grassroots researchers and creators working either in collaboration or independently are eligible to apply.* 
• Projects that have already commenced 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 for a funded fellowship. 
• 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 for a funded fellowship. 

* We encourage you to contact us for more information before submitting your application. 

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 the fellowship. 

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

Applications close at 5pm on 16 September 2022. 

How are projects selected? 

Applications must address key criteria: 

• demonstrated use of the Library’s collections 
• demonstrate how the research will benefit the Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal community. 

Applications must also include two referees: 

• one referee who is an Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal person to support the statement of identity or a Confirmation of Aboriginality from an Indigenous Victorian Aboriginal community organisation  
• one referee to support your ability to undertake the research. 

Applications are read and shortlisted by the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre according to the key criteria. 

Shortlisted applications are provided to an independent selection panel who will make a recommendation for a successful applicant. 

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 meeting. 

What happens to my intellectual property? 

All copyright in the works created by a recipient during the course of a fellowship stays with the creator. 

Need more information? 

Contact us at [email protected].

You can also refer to the Guidelines: State Library Victoria Fellowships and read our frequently asked questions.