Organizer Information
The Helpmann Academy was formed in 1994 in honour of South Australia's actor and dancer Sir Robert Helpmann, to maximise professional development opportunities that help arts students transition from study into professional practice. It is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and formed as a partnership of the state's major tertiary arts training institutions. Described as the only organisation of its kind in Australia, the Academy provides grants, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, seminars, advisory services, and international artist residencies specifically for South Australia's higher education students, graduates, and emerging artists. Its activities are supported through university partnerships, state government funding, and philanthropic contributions, including the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, which backs the Helpmann Fellowships.
Title & Description
Helpmann Fellowships 2026
The Helpmann Fellowships support bold, ambitious projects with long-term career impact for emerging South Australian artists. The fellowships are self-determined, meaning applicants design their own program of activity — from the creation of new work, exhibitions or performances, residencies or internships, touring or recording, to specialised or longer-term professional development. Three fellowships of $7,500 each are on offer this round, funded through the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, for activity taking place across the 2027 calendar year.
Categories
- Fellowship
- All Discipline
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Research
- Educations
Eligibility
- Open to final year students and graduates of supported degrees from partner institutions — Adelaide University and Flinders University — within five years of graduation
- Graduates of the University of South Australia or the University of Adelaide are also eligible
- Honours students and graduates (up to five years following their final year of study) are eligible, provided honours was undertaken directly after the undergraduate degree
- Masters and PhD graduates and candidates are not eligible unless they still qualify through undergraduate or honours study
- Applicant must currently reside in South Australia
- Applicant must not have any overdue acquittals for previous projects
Program Benefits & Awards
- Three fellowships valued at $7,500 each, supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation
- Funding for equipment or freight specific to the project
- Funding for supplies and materials specific to the project (not for long-term use)
- Invitation to join the 2027 Artist Advisory Group
- Public presentation of the fellowship award in October
- Opportunity to be featured on Helpmann Academy's social media channels
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Online Information Session: 4 August 2026
- Applications Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Eligible activity period: 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2027
- Fellowship presentation: October (year not specified)
Location
South Australia
Additional Details
- Applications are assessed on artistic merit, alignment with career development and growth, feasibility and value of the proposal, demonstrated commitment to learning, and level of ambition. Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
- Funding will not be provided for current course requirements or formal qualifications, and cannot be applied retrospectively — expenses can't be covered until a signed agreement form is returned.
- Recipients must provide email updates throughout the program and a final artistic and financial acquittal report within four weeks of completion.
- Recipients must acknowledge the Helpmann Academy (including logo placement and verbal acknowledgement at public events) in any publicity related to the funded project, and must seek prior approval before using the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation logo.
- Any changes to a recipient's proposed program or budget must be reported to and approved by the Helpmann Academy before proceeding. All funding decisions are final.
- Applicants are encouraged to attend the Online Information Session and can book a 30-minute consultation with Program Manager Toni Wills before submitting.
- A video submission option is available as an alternative to the standard written application, though support material must still be uploaded as required.