2021 sees the third iteration of the Guildhouse Fellowship, valued at over $50,000 and awarded annually to one South Australian mid-career visual artist, craftsperson or designer.

The Fellowship is generously supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation and is presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA).

This Fellowship is intended for artists who have moved beyond the early years of their practice; they have a distinct artistic expression, and seek an expansive opportunity to explore, research and create. The Fellowship will be awarded to an artist who can demonstrate its instrumentality to their arts practice – and thus – their contribution to the ambition and artistic excellence of the visual arts sector in South Australia.

The Guildhouse Fellowship offers a transformative opportunity for one mid-career South Australian visual artist each year, including $35,000 to support research and development, including the creation of new work. Delivered in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia, the opportunity will include the presentation of new work at the Gallery.

The establishment of this Fellowship acknowledges the expanse of artistic talent in South Australia. ‘The Fellowship is of national importance – providing South Australian artists with a pivotal opportunity to accelerate and expand their practice.’ AGSA Assistant Director Lisa Slade.

This project offers a significant opportunity for one artist – but it signals to the entire community that we continue to invest in excellent work by South Australian artists, with a legacy well beyond the immediate award. 

Applications close Monday 14 June, 9am

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

What is included
  • A $35,000 artist fee to support research and development, materials, etc.
  • Professional interpretative documentation, practice and material specific, developed with the artist.
  • A presentation outcome with AGSA following the Fellowship.

Presentation outcomes
  • Presentation outcomes may include but are not limited to an event, performance, exhibition, incursion etc.
  • The presentation outcomes will be planned in conjunction with the artist, AGSA and Guildhouse to extend and respond to your practice.

Timelines
  • Applications open Tuesday 6 April
  • Applications close Monday 14 June, 9am 
  • Announcement of recipient August 2021 
  • The selected recipient will undertake the Fellowship over a 12-month period. The beginning date of the Fellowship is likely to be August 2021 and this will be confirmed as we continue to respond to the pandemic. The presentation outcome at AGSA will take place in the subsequent 12-month period.
Eligibility
  • Mid-career visual artist, craftsperson or designer.
  • Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia, born or living in South Australia.
  • Guildhouse financial member.

Selection Criteria
  • Potential impact of the Fellowship on your practice.
  • Viability of your proposal including relevance to your practice and timeline.
  • The strength of your artistic career.
  • Quality and/or diversity of your previous work.

Shortlisted applicants may be approached for interview as part of the selection process.

Selection Panel

The selection panel will be comprised of representatives from:

  • AGSA,
  • Guildhouse, and
  • an established artist

Application Checklist
  • Proposal summary (150 words)
  • Biography (max 1 page)
  • Artist statement including (250 words)
    • The key ideas and goals that drive you to create
    • How you define your artistic practice as mid-career
  • Proposed activity – what will you do during the Fellowship period, and how will it lead to the development of new work? (1 page)
  • What impact do you believe the Fellowship will have on your practice? (250 words)
  • Support material (max two references, up to 10 high quality images/video links (max 10 mins), CV)

Further Information 

For more information please read the FAQ sheet below.

We hosted a live In Conversation between 2020 Fellow Sera Waters and Lisa Slade on Wednesday 28 April, 11am.

Watch the recording using the link below to learn more about what the Guildhouse Fellowship can do for your practice and how to shape your application for the best chance at success.

One-on-One Appointments

Contact Artistic Programs Manager Debbie Pryor on debbie.pryor@guildhouse.org.au or 8410 1822 to discuss your application or arrange a meeting on screen or on the phone.

Before your meeting
Ahead of your meeting with Debbie, please make sure that you have:

  • Read the application guidelines
  • Read the FAQ’s
  • Developed ideas for research or development for your Fellowship project to discuss during the meeting.

Face-to-face meetings are available via screen on the following days:
Monday 19 April 2pm – 4pm
Tuesday 27 April 10am – 12pm
Monday 10 May 2pm – 4pm
Thursday 20 May 2pm – 4pm
Tuesday 25 May 10am – 12pm
Monday 7 June 10am – 12pm