Application process
The application process occurs in two stages:
- Stage 1 called for expressions of interest from eligible applicants. Expressions of interest are then shortlisted by an expert panel.
- Stage 2 invites shortlisted applicants to submit a full proposal.
Stage 1: Expressions of interest
Expressions of interest must:
- Outline what you intend to do and why (limit 750 characters – approx. 150 words).
- Explain how your project meets 2 (two) or more Arts Fellowship objectives (limit 2200 characters – approx. 300 words).
- Explain why travel to Antarctica or the sub-Antarctic and developing material in the region is essential to your project (limit 750 characters – approx. 150 words).
- Identify your intended audience and anticipated outcomes (limit 1200 characters – approx. 200 words).
- Demonstrate your capacity to deliver by outlining your relevant experience, skills and ability to achieve the proposed activities and outcomes of your project (limit 1500 characters – approx. 200 words).
Community and collaboration are an important part of the Australian Antarctic Program. Arts Fellows become part of the expeditioner ‘family’ when travelling south/spending time on station. We encourage Arts Fellows to positively contribute to the expeditioner community through their presence and work. Arts Fellows are invited to give a short (20 minute) artist talk about their practice and project while they are on station/voyage.
Supporting documentation
You must also include the following supporting documentation with your EOI application:
- Curriculum vitae for all project members (maximum of 2 pages per person) submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
- Links to relevant online content (website, social media etc).
- Relevant work examples observing the requirements for your principal artform outlined below.
For visual artists, designers, jewellers, craft practitioners
- 10 (ten) still images with caption details submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
For writers, screenwriters, writer/illustrators
- 3 (three) written excerpts (maximum of 500 words each) *writer/illustrators can include up to 10 images with their written excerpts, submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
For performers, cultural producers, musicians, multi-media artists, curators
- 3 (three) digital excerpts (maximum of 3 mins each) provided as links to online content (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo).
OR
- Up to 10 images/1500 words of text submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
Application timeline
Expressions of interest are open for approximately 6 weeks and must be submitted via the online application form. Applications closed 5pm 1 February 2026.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their EOI approximately 6 weeks following submission. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application in Stage 2.
Stage 2: Full application
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application which must include:
- A project title
- A project summary that explains the vision, aims and artistic rationale of your project (250 words).
- A project description that clearly explains your process and approach - what you will do and how you will do it e.g. ship/on-station activities, field trips, interviews, collaborations etc (500 words).
- An explanation of why travel to Antarctica is essential for your project (200 words).
- An outline of your anticipated field and logistical requirements e.g. equipment to be used, locations/sites/personnel etc that are essential for you to achieve your proposed outcomes (250 words).
- A project plan that details the sequence and timeline for delivery noting key milestones, dates and completion of outcomes.
- A detailed description explaining how your project meets 2 (two) or more Arts Fellowship objectives (300 words).
- An explanation of how your proposal addresses each of the selection criteria (200 words for each criterion).
Supporting documentation
You must also include the following supporting documentation with your application:
- Curriculum vitae for all project members (maximum of 2 pages per person) submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
- An artist biography (100 words).
- Up to 5 (five) letters confirming support for your project e.g. publisher, gallery, university etc, submitted as a single PDF file (maximum of 10MB).
- Links to relevant online content (website, social media etc).
- Relevant work examples observing the requirements for your principal artform outlined below.
For visual artists
- 10 (ten) still images with caption details submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
For writers
- 3 (three) written excerpts (maximum of 500 words each) *writer/illustrators can include up to 10 images with their written excerpts, submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
For performers, cultural producers, musicians, multi-media artists, curators
- 3 (three) digital excerpts (maximum of 3 mins each) provided as links to online content (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo).
OR
- Up to 10 images/1500 words of text submitted as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB).
Selection criteria
The following selection criteria will be used to assess your application. Each criterion is weighted equally.
Awareness and appreciation
How does your project promote engagement and increase awareness and appreciation of Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, and the Australian Antarctic Program?
Originality, innovation and artistic merit
Does your project explore creative, innovative and original concepts? Is your artistic vision and rationale clearly articulated? Does your proposal advance new knowledge and understanding?
Impact and reach
What is the capacity of your project to have impact and engage audiences? Will your proposed outcomes promote engagement and involvement of diverse audiences? Will your project make a substantial contribution to your field of inquiry or beyond?
Feasible and achievable
How appropriate and well thought out is your project? Is your project realistic and achievable within proposed timeframes? Does it take into consideration the challenges of working in Antarctica? Does it show evidence of appropriate research and preparation?
Information for applicants – Australian Antarctic Program
Please note: there is a separate Media Program. All media professionals should apply through this program, not the Arts Fellowship.