The Guildhouse Fellowship FAQ
What is the definition of a mid-career artist?
Some mid-career definitions refer to years of active practice, however in this instance we are more interested in the culmination of your experience and how this fits with your self-definition as a mid-career practitioner.
Typically artistic or creative practice follows formal training. Where an applicant does not have formal training, the cementing of their practice is commonly marked by a significant recognition of the artist’s work and their commitment to ongoing practice. An artists career is not always linear; there may be periods of time when the applicant has withdrawn from artistic practice for personal, financial or family reason. The applicant should combine periods of active and continuous practice to calculate their definition as a mid-career practitioner.
This application process recognises that many artists (with or without training) are working in new territories which may not be defined as a single arts practice.
An artist may have held a number of roles within their arts practice and should include this when calculating the years of practice. For instance an artist may have a strong contemporary art, craft or design career and expand their practice to include a curatorial practice, all facets are considered.
Born in/or resides in South Australia
A Fellowship applicant must reside in South Australia during the Fellowship. It is expected that the applicant resides in South Australia for the majority of their time and can demonstrate an established active contribution to the South Australian artistic community.
Inclusions in the Fellowship
In addition to the $35,000 artist fee a further $15,000+ is attributed to the project. This includes professional interpretative documentation such as photography, video, and support from both Guildhouse and AGSA curatorial staff throughout the Fellowship and presentation outcome.
What kind of presentation outcomes can I expect with the Art Gallery of South Australia, and how will I be supported to achieve this?
The presentation outcome is a valuable extension and celebration of the core intentions of the Fellowship, that is a focus on connections, research and making new work. The presentation outcome can be varied and will be defined during the Fellowship. Key milestone meetings between the artist, Guildhouse and AGSA staff will determine the needs and possibilities relevant to the artist’s practice and within the AGSA. Presentation may consist of an incursion, performance, event or display.
What if the recipient is employed outside of their independent arts practice at the time of receiving the Fellowship?
The employment status of the recipient will not be considered in the selection process. A Fellow is free to earn other income during the Fellowship timeline, however it is expected that the recipient can manage both their employment and responsibilities of the Fellowship with the timeline and expectations outlined. It is the artist’s responsibility to seek external advice to ensure they are taxed appropriately for their employment and Fellowship monies.
In what way will the Fellowship be transformative to my practice?
The impact of the Fellowship itself will be transformative to one’s career, the opportunity to commit fulltime to research and studio time, towards a presentation outcome at AGSA will take an artist to a new level of intent and visibility. It is not expected that the artist will transform their methodology of research or practice or reinvent themselves in any way.
Is the Fellowship tax deductible?
The Fellowship is a taxable income and will need to be claimed as an income to the ATO, in conjunction with any other taxable income the artist may have.
Can Fellows travel overseas during their Fellowship?
Fellows are encouraged to be ambitious within their application; overseas travel is supported and encouraged as part of career development and research. Funds for travel must be considered within the $35,000 Fellowship award.
Is the Fellow required to produce an artwork at the end of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship will culminate in a presentation at AGSA, and as such the Fellow will present new work.
Is a report or acquittal required at the end of the Fellowship?
The Fellow will be asked to provide a brief report including a financial summary, at the conclusion of the Fellowship. This report will outline the project undertaken by the Fellow and provide Guildhouse, AGSA and JDRF with valuable feedback on the inaugural program and its effect on mid-career artists.
Are there any expectations around public engagement for the Fellow?
There will be occasions for the successful Fellow to address the media such as the announcement of the inaugural Fellow and around specific milestones, such as the presentation outcome at AGSA. The opportunity to actively contribute to public programming associated with the presentation outcome will be explored with AGSA.
Who should be asked to write a Letter of Reference?
Each referee should be in a position to speak about the applicant’s experience and potential with confidence, they should be a well-regarded individual with strong standing within the sector.
Why is it recommended that I discuss my application with Guildhouse before submitting?
Top tips for submitting an application:
- Hover your mouse over each question and a sidebar of further information will be provided. This information will remind you of the length of text required, and the content needing to be addressed in your response.
- Please submit all text attachments as PDF, as Word often reformats and makes the application less legible.
- Please submit before 8:55am on the due date, often the traffic to the site is high at this time, sometimes uploading takes longer than expected (either by the user, the internet speed, or the platform) and late applications are not permitted.
Guildhouse now accept video applications, how do I submit?
- For a video response we suggest you share a private link from a video hosting service such as Vimeo (free Basic account) or YouTube, or a shareable link via Dropbox.
- Address each of the criteria in your video, please state the criteria you’re addressing so the context of your answer is understood easily (hover your mouse over the question for more context if needed).
- Some portions of the process are still written, primarily your contact details and the Letter of Reference. If your referee requires a video option please be in touch via samantha.faehrmann@guildhouse.org.au
I’m interested to know how the successful Fellows addressed their ambitions and plans in their applications.
Hear firsthand from Guildhouse Fellows Troy-Anthony Baylis, Sera Waters and Liam Fleming about their experiences in the following recorded conversations with AGSA staff:
In Conversation with Troy-Anthony Baylis and Rhana Devenport
In Conversation with Sera Waters and Lisa Slade
In Conversation with Liam Fleming and Rebecca Evans
Images (L-R): Nomenclatures featuring works by Troy-Anthony Baylis, Art Gallery of South Australia, photograph Saul Steed