by FIlmInk Staff
The State Library of NSW is excited to announce its newest initiatives for writers and creatives — two $15,000 creative residencies and a $25,000 architecture fellowship — launched today as part of the Library’s prestigious Fellowship Program.
According to State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon: “For over 50 years the State Library has championed the vital work of researchers, writers and historians in enriching our understanding of the world. As we mark the Library’s 200th year, we are proud to build on this commitment by expanding the program and offering a total of $266,000 in paid research opportunities in 2027.”
“In 2027, with the generous support of the SLNSW Foundation and the commitment and passion of our philanthropic donors, the Library will add the Ian Stapleton Fellowship for architecture and two new creative residencies to its program.” says Dr Butler-Bowdon.
Also, for the first time, the Library’s popular Artist-in-Residence program will be a paid position, with $15,000 on offer.
The Ian Stapleton Fellowship, named for the pioneering Australian heritage architect, is a new biennial prize, offering $25,000 to support research that uses the Library’s significant Australian architecture collection.
The new Creative-in-Residence positions will award two performing arts practitioners $15,000 and provide an opportunity for creatives to respond and reimagine the Library’s rich collections through artistic practice.
The Library is committed to supporting research, writing and creativity that draws on Australian history and culture to inform and inspire future generations.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Fellowships:
• Imago Fellowship ($50,000)
• Dr AM Hertzberg AO Fellowship ($30,000)
• Ian Stapleton Fellowship ($25,000) — new
• Nancy Keesing AM Fellowship ($25,000)
• Australian Religious History Fellowship ($20,000)
• CH Currey Memorial Fellowship ($20,000)
• Merewether Fellowship ($12,000)
• David Scott Mitchell Memorial Fellowship ($12,000)
• Ross Steele AM Fellowship ($12,000)
• Artist-in-Residence ($15,000) — previously unfunded
• Creative-in-Residence, 2 positions ($15,000 each) — new
• Summer Fellowships, 10 positions ($1000 each)
• Summer Fellowships (Architecture), 5 positions ($1000 each)
• Visiting Fellowships (unfunded)
“All Library Fellows receive specialist support, from access to the Library’s Donald and Myfanwy Horne Room through to mentoring by expert staff,” says Dr Rachel Franks, who leads the Fellowship Program.
“The program offers access to a strong multidisciplinary community of scholars and creative practitioners, and the camaraderie you can only feel when researching in a supportive environment. The Library also offers Fellows a bespoke professional development program designed specifically to meet the needs of archival researchers at all career stages,” says Dr Franks.
Applications close 5 pm, 10 July 2026. For more information and to apply,
visit sl.nsw.gov.au/fellowships
The successful recipients will be announced at an event celebrating our Merewether and David Scott Mitchell Memorial Fellows on 28 October 2026.
The Library’s biennial $120,000 Coral Thomas Fellowship will open for applications in 2027.
