Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship

Aurora across Station Photo: Ali D

Antarctica's isolation and inhospitable nature are considerable barriers to all but the few who can afford the high cost of visiting as a tourist, or to those scientists and support personnel who participate in national Antarctic programs.

As a way of informing and educating Australians about Antarctica and Australia's activities there, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) administers the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship enabling those with a non-science focus to experience Antarctica first-hand so that they may communicate this unique experience and understanding to other Australians.

Who can apply?

Each year, the AAD invites applications from two main groups:

• artists, researchers, filmmakers and writers with a demonstrated track record
• talented emerging artists and writers from the creative arts, humanities and social sciences

The program aims to nurture the production of excellent and significant works of art and interpretation by leading professionals and talented emerging artists and writers.

Please note: The AAD runs a separate Media Program. All media should apply through this program, rather than the arts fellowship.

What the Fellowship provides

Emperor penguin chicks Photo: David Waterhouse

The Fellowship takes the form of either a berth on a ship or an intercontinental flight to Antarctica and associated logistical support ie, food, accommodation and transport. The AAD also provides cold-weather clothing on loan.

The Fellowship does not include travel to and from and accommodation in the port of departure (usually Hobart) or the cost of the required pre-travel medical examination. There is no financial component to the Fellowship. The Fellowship does not cover any costs of completing and distributing the proposed work.

Objectives of the Program

The vision of the Australian Antarctic Program is Antarctica: Valued, Protected and Understood. In line with this the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship aims to increase Australian and international awareness and appreciation of Antarctica focussing on:

• the extraordinary and beautiful natural environment and the diverse and hardy animal and plant life it supports
• Antarctica as the site and subject of Australian and international scientific and environmental research
• the small human communities forged on a vast continent of extreme climate and terrain
• the international treaty history, values and cooperation that shape Antarctica's geopolitical significance

The Fellowship aims to foster understanding of the Antarctic environment and communicate the significance of Australia's activities there through the work of people especially gifted in communicating through various media including the visual arts, film-making, imaginative writing, education, music and journalism.

The Australian Antarctic Science Program

Sea spider Photo: Michelle Nichols

In support of its Antarctic scientific research program, Australia operates three permanent stations in Antarctica (Mawson, Davis and Casey) and a fourth on subantarctic Macquarie Island. The Australian Antarctic Program is supported by a shipping and air transport program which ferries supplies and equipment to the stations during each southern summer, between October and March.

Past, current and proposed Australian Antarctic Program transport schedules are listed here.

Applications from abroad

Some applications under the Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship may be accepted from citizens of other Antarctic Treaty nations.

These applicants must have the support of their own nation's Antarctic program, and must be able to demonstrate a capacity to reach a significant audience, preferably including a significant Australian audience.