Are you the next curator of the Helpmann Academy’s iconic Graduate Exhibition?
The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition has an established reputation as the showcase presentation of South Australia’s finest emerging artists. It shines a spotlight on the top visual arts grads from Flinders University and the University of South Australia at the SASA gallery.
Once again, the Helpmann Academy is encouraging early–career visual artists and curators with great administrative skills to apply for the program.
The successful application will be remunerated $5,000 for this mentorship opportunity.
“Undertaking the role of Project Curator for the 2025 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition bestowed a whole new set of curatorial skills upon me. Having Anna Zagala as a mentor was invaluable. She is the gift of knowledge and provided comforting support for decision–making. Working with a large group of artists and learning about their artworks was rewarding and enjoyable. This role has given me the tools, confidence and passion to move into future curatorial projects with excitement.”
Stephanie Doddridge, 2025 recipient
Working in collaboration with the University of South Australia, the Project Curator mentorship is an incredible opportunity that will enable the successful applicant to kickstart or further develop their curatorial career.
Under the guidance of curatorial mentor Anna Zagala, Associate Curator, SAMSTAG Museum, the Project Curator will have the opportunity to develop and broaden their skills to create a cohesive, impactful exhibition of works that speak to different themes and ideas.
“Working as the 2024 Project Curator has been one of the most influential roles in my career to date. The opportunity to work with an outstanding group of emerging artists, be mentored by Anna Zagala and the Helpmann team and curate the 2024 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition has been incredibly rewarding and will have a long-lasting impact on the trajectory of my future career as a curator and artist.”
Asha Southcombe, 2024 recipient
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse are strongly encouraged to apply.
KEY DATES
Applications opened Thursday 28 August 2025
Applications close Sunday 19 October 2025 at 11:59pm
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 28 October 2025
For activity occurring between November 2025 – April 2026
BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION
Before you get started, please check your eligibility here and read the Information for Applicants guidelines thoroughly.
You can also watch the recording from our last Write on the Money workshop (run in partnership with Carclew and hosted at Flinders University), which features artists talking about their experience in applying for funding.
ABOUT ANNA ZAGALA
Anna is the Associate Curator (Academic Engagement) at Samstag Museum of Art. She has worked in the visual arts sector for 20 years as a writer, editor, educator and cultural producer. Over the course of her career she has lived in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. She has a particular affinity with universities and museums and has gravitated to roles that have facilitated engagement with museum collections, art and learning.
Anna’s book on Redback Graphix, a screen printing studio based in Wollongong and Sydney (1979-1994), was published by the National Gallery of Australia in 2006. She is also the Creative Director of sweetpolka.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Interested applicants are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application. Please contact the Helpmann team via info@helpmannacademy.com.au, or call us on (08) 7089 0720.
Image: Stephanie Doddridge. Supplied.