Fellowships 2026
Where ideas take flight
State Library Victoria’s Fellowships Program invites leading scholars and creatives to unlock the State
Collection, generating new research, advanced knowledge and exceptional creative works.
What fellows receive
Successful applicants receive:
- $15,000 in funding
- a dedicated office in the Dome annulus for 12 months
- access to a liaison librarian to assist research in the State Collection.
Read the program guidelines to find out more about eligibility requirements, application guidelines and fellowship outcomes before submitting your application.
Research Fellowships
For mid-career and established researchers interested in undertaking academic enquiry within the State Collection grounded in specific focus areas.
Creative Fellowships
For creative practitioners interested in developing new work inspired by the Library’s collections.
Creative Residencies
For creative practitioners interested in producing work that responds to the Library’s physical site and engages with its civic role.
‘My new book was transformed by the amazing discoveries I made while researching in the collection. Looking through the archive took me in an unexpected and inspiring direction. Along with access to the facilities at Baldessin Studio, this project was made possible by the fellowship’s support.’
How to apply
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be submitted online via SmartyGrants. You can only submit an EOI for one stream each year.
You will be asked to:
- Select one stream and the focus area(s) you are applying for.
- Provide a project proposal based on the relevant selection criteria.
- Submit a CV and short biography.
- Provide examples of previous work or practice (as relevant).
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria and agree to the award conditions.
Before submitting your EOI, we encourage you to read the program guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Collection Notice and Privacy Policy.
Key dates
EOIs open: 3 March 2026
EOIs close: 9am AEST, 7 April 2026
Assessment period: April–June 2026
Optional further information period: The Library may contact you for extra information to help assessment panels make final decisions.
Notifications: early to mid-July 2026
Fellowship/residency period: 1 August 2026 – 30 June 2027
(Full time equivalent of 3 months. Fellowships can be undertaken as one block or split across the year.)
Accessibility
We use the SmartyGrants online portal for fellowship EOIs. You can submit your EOI in audio, video or written format.
If SmartyGrants isn’t accessible for you, contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss other options. You can contact the Fellowships team by emailing fellows@slv.vic.gov.au or calling 03 8664 7475. Please allow at least 5 days prior to the closing date for these requests.
Arts Access Victoria can provide access support with your EOI. This could be reviewing your draft proposal, helping you compile support material or helping you complete the form. For information about access support, contact Alanah Guiry via email at aguiry@artsaccess.com.au or phone 03 8640 6020, or visit the Arts Access Victoria website.
Supporters
State Library Victoria Research Fellowships are supported by the Asian Australian Foundation; the John Emmerson bequest; the La Trobe Society; the Melbourne City of Literature office; and University of Melbourne.
State Library Victoria Creative Fellowships are supported by the Baldessin Studio and Morag Fraser; the Christopher Baker bequest (in honour of Kerri Hall); the Georges Mora Fellowship; the Marion Orme Page bequest; the Mietta Foundation (in honour of Patricia O’Donnell); and the Russell Beedles bequest.
