While we do our best to make the Library and its collections accessible to all visitors, it is a heritage site and there are some limitations.

The Library catalogue is not accessible via a Braille computer. If you use a Braille computer, we'll help you in searching the collection and provide you with material in accessible formats where possible.

Accessible formats may take up to 6 weeks to arrive. However, not all material can be digitised. Contact us if you have specific questions on this.

Most of the Library's venues and offices have wheelchair access. However, in some spaces, wayfinding can be complex, so we will work through pathways with fellows as needed.

At this stage, not all areas of Baldessin Studio are wheelchair accessible. Find out more about accessibility at Baldessin.

No, but we’ll do our best to provide support when needed.

In 2024, we worked with Arts Access Victoria to ensure that the fellowships are as accessible as possible.

By making an application, you agree that Library staff and the judging panel will read the contents. You retain the copyright and IP in your work at all times. 

If your project has an Indigenous Australian Aboriginal focus or content, you need to show a connection to the relevant communities.

The connection could be in the form of either:

• a letter of support from an Indigenous Australian Aboriginal organisation
• a joint fellowship application with an Indigenous Australian Aboriginal applicant if you're not Indigenous.

Once you have a letter of support, you'll also need to talk to the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre team at the Library. Contact the team to find out more at [email protected]

Observing and following cultural protocols is necessary to ensure the cultural integrity of a project.

No, fellowships are support for the research or development of work only, not for presentation or outcomes.

While we encourage and welcome outcomes, we can't guarantee a program presentation or exhibition at the Library.

Projects with a public outcome involving Library spaces and staff will be considered separately and in relation to the Library's strategic goals. The fellowship process does not fund these outcomes.

We expect fellows to:

• provide one progress update, either face-to-face or online
• be available for internal and external media interviews
• contribute content to the Library's internal and external channels to promote and showcase the program
• acknowledge the support of the Library and use approved Library branding in any publication or promotion of the fellowship project
• if invited, contribute to the La Trobe Journal or other Library publications.

During the fellowship period, we might ask you to share your research or work in progress. These could include:

• participation in Library programming, showcasing some aspect of the work in progress
• blog posts or visual diaries
• programs and events for Library staff.

The John Emmerson Fellowship is open to researchers outside Australia.

For other fellowships, you need to live in Australia.

The Marion Orme Page Regional Creative Fellowship and The Kerri Hall Fellowship for Performing Arts are specifically for regional Victorians.

No, there is no wet studio at the Library for art practices such as painting, ceramics or fabric dyeing.

Depending on the fellowship, you can decide whether to take your fellowship full-time over a few months or part-time over 12 months.

From 1 July 2024 to 17 June 2025, you'll have access to your desk in a shared studio space.

You can decide when and how often to use your office space within the 12 months.

The outcome of your fellowship project may happen outside the residency period. We encourage you to keep in touch and let us know about future outcomes.

No, all fellowships will end in June 2025, so the next round of fellows can start on 1 July 2025.

Yes, read our COVID-safe plan.

You can spend fellowship funds according to your requirements.

For example, for transport, accommodation, living expenses or anything that will support you in your research and development of your project.

For fellowships at Baldessin Studio, you'll receive studio access, accommodation and support to the value of $5,000. The support is in addition to the $5,000 fellowship funding. You can't use these funds for other expenses.

We recommend seeking financial advice that considers your personal circumstances.

No, an auspice body manages the activity and acquittal of funds. You don't need one to be eligible for the Fellowship Program.

Our fees are based on the National Association for the Visual Arts recommended rates and fees for research and development. Depending on the fellowship, fees will cover between 1 and 3 months of work.

You can choose whether to do this work in one block or broken up across the year.

The recommended rate varies depending on whether you're an emerging, mid-career or established practitioner. However, the fellowship fees we offer are the same for everyone, regardless of experience.

No, superannuation is not payable as successful fellows are not entering an employment relationship or labour hire agreement.

A Liaison Librarian is provided to fellows to support their research and project.

The Liaison Librarian's role is to:

• introduce you to the services, collections and staff you can draw on during your fellowship
• support you to become an independent researcher and user of library services
• provide a regular, friendly point of contact
• refer you to other staff and services where appropriate.

The Fellowship Program team can:

• support you with further funding applications, for example, by providing a letter of support
• provide intermittent guidance and conversations about your project in development
• coordinate access services and consultants as needed
• help with networking opportunities and connections within the Library community
• invite you to join the fellowship alumni community.