Image: Grace Mensforth, performing as ‘Grace Vandals’ with band ‘Tell Mama’. Image supplied by artist.
The Helpmann Fellowships are designed by you.
Proudly supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation and valued at up to $7,500, our Helpmann Fellowships are self–driven and specific to emerging artists from all creative disciplines.
Our applicant–led approach encourages ambitious projects with long–term impacts and professional development opportunities to build, grow and invest in your practice.
We are here to support projects that will have a meaningful and vital impact on the development of your artistic practice, empowering you to progress in your career.
Grace Mensforth says of the fellowship:
“This project is key to advancing my career as a full–time artist. Gaining experience in music video production, commercial photography, and PR will enhance my skills and expand my network. Collaborating with mentors is vital to my professional growth and Helpmann’s support will enable me to build and invest in my music career, refine my practice, and achieve significant professional milestones.”
Grace Mensforth, Helpmann Fellowships recipient 2024
Individual artists or collectives can pursue customised professional development programs, larger–scale projects, or a combination of both. The self–directed programs may encompass a range of activities, such as engaging in residencies, receiving specialised training, participating in long–term workshops, or securing internships with recognised institutions or professional practitioners.
You can choose to undertake new work or integrate the outcomes and learnings into an existing project. These endeavours may also involve creating new artistic works, exhibitions or performance outcomes, touring, recording, professional development, or activities focused on developing new markets and audiences.
“By having the support of the Helpmann Fellowship, I can achieve a dream of mine which I didn’t think was possible in these emerging stages of my career, and that is to tour my own show. I am excited to further my artistic practice through this experience and to connect with industry contacts interstate, building my networks as an independent artist.”
Danielle Lim, Actor / Theatre Maker / Producer, Helpmann Fellowships recipient 2024
Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your application, workshop your idea, or just to understand the application and selection process more thoroughly. Learn more in the ‘For more information’ section below.
BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION
Before you get started, please check your eligibility here and read the Information for Applicants guidelines thoroughly.
We strongly recommend reading our Grant Writing Tips and FAQs before you start writing your application.
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.
KEY DATES
Applications open Monday 30 June 2025
Applications close Monday 18 August 2025 at 11:59pm
For activity occurring between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION
We strongly encourage you to discuss your application with the Helpmann Academy before you press send.
Interested artists are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application. Please contact the Helpmann team to book a 30-minute chat – use our online booking form, contact us via info@helpmannacademy.com.au, or call us on (08) 7089 0720.
Image: Grace Mensforth, performing as ‘Grace Vandals’ with band ‘Tell Mama’. Image supplied by artist.
PHILANTHROPIC PARTNER
Helpmann Fellowships are proudly supported by the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation.
