60 years of backing artists: enhanced $50,000 Guildhouse Fellowship announced

60 years of backing artists: enhanced $50,000 Guildhouse Fellowship announced

Guildhouse, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation are proud to announce the callout for the nation-leading professional development program, The Guildhouse Fellowship, with an enhanced offering for a South Australian visual artist, craft practitioner or designer.

The latest iteration extends the Fellowship from a 12-month to an 18-month engagement and increases the artist’s fee from $35,000 to $50,000, embedding best practice by paying superannuation to the artist. The Fellowship also includes professional documentation and a presentation at the Art Gallery of South Australia, working with AGSA’s curatorial team.

The Fellowship provides funding for one South Australian mid-career artist to undertake research, development, experimentation and the creation of new work – culminating in a public presentation. Recognised as a ‘north star’ for mid-career artists, the Fellowship supports artists who have established their practice but may be at a critical juncture in their careers.

Generously supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation and presented in partnership by Guildhouse and AGSA, the Guildhouse Fellowship makes a major investment into a South Australian visual artist by granting the time and space for professional, technical and material development to take the next step in their practice.

The Guildhouse Fellowship is awarded to artists who can demonstrate the Fellowship’s instrumental value to their practice and contribution to artistic excellence within South Australia’s visual arts sector.

“As we mark 60 years’ of Guildhouse supporting visual artists in South Australia, this enhanced Guildhouse Fellowship is both a celebratory milestone and a clear statement of intent,” said Guildhouse CEO Beth Neate. “The increased investment reflects Guildhouse’s vision for artists to have thriving, vibrant and sustainable careers and sets a clear benchmark for how artists should be supported to undertake ambitious and career-defining development. We are deeply grateful for the vision and steadfast backing of the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation and the ongoing commitment of our presenting partner the Art Gallery of South Australia, who amplify the impact of the Fellowship by providing a vital platform for Fellows to gain national and international recognition.”

Kerry de Lorme, Executive Director, James and Diana Ramsay Foundation, says: “This enhanced Fellowship demonstrates our commitment to supporting artists with meaningful opportunities at pivotal moments in their careers. We are incredibly proud that all six past Guildhouse Fellows continue to practice and contribute to Australia’s cultural life, achieving international residencies, national exhibitions, and strong representation. This next iteration builds on that legacy, offering a substantial platform for mid-career artists to expand their practice and influence.”

Jason Smith, Director, Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) says: “The Guildhouse Fellowship plays a vital role in recognising and nurturing ambition and diversity among South Australian artists, offering a career-defining opportunity for practitioners. We are proud to have partnered with Guildhouse and the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation to deliver this nationally significant Fellowship since its inception. We are further delighted to support the introduction of an enhanced model in 2026 that will provide increased financial investment and an extended Fellowship period that will allow Fellows time to deepen their practice and ambition”.

Applications open Thursday, 5 February 2026, and close Monday, 30 March 2026, at 5:00pm.

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