The Australian Antarctic Division is now accepting applications for the 2013–14 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship.

Each year, the Australian Government awards an Arts Fellowship to enable those with a non-science focus the opportunity to experience Antarctica and Australia’s work there first-hand so they may communicate this experience and understanding to others.

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

Favel Parrett, Arts Fellow for 2012–13 recently returned to Australia after travelling to Antarctica as part of her research for her novel about the Nella Dan — a supply ship that was used by the Australian Antarctic Division for 26 years.

Ms Parrett said she would encourage anyone with a passion for Antarctica to apply.

“It will change your work in ways that you can’t even imagine. It will change you in ways you can’t even imagine.”

“And once you have seen it — the beauty, the stillness of the ice, the intense power of the Southern Ocean — it will be with you forever,” she said.

Previous participants have included sound artist Philip Samartzis; mixed-media artist Stephen Eastaugh; installation artist David Burrows; printmaker Jörg Schmeisser; dancer and choreographer Tina Evans; children’s authors and illustrators Coral Tulloch and Alison Lester.

Applications can be submitted online, and are due by 30 March 2013.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to do something that not many get a chance to do,” Ms Parrett said.