We received 48 eligible applications to the Acme London Residency, closing date 8 July 2025 for one residency 

From the 16 September 2025, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications. 

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website. 

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful:  

• Industry advisors celebrated applications that were straightforward, clearly written and didn’t leave them guessing or looking for the relevant information regarding what the proposed work is or what the activities on site are going to be.
• Applications that addressed the relevance and importance of both going to London and participating in the Acme residency program scored higher. The industry advisors were excited by proposals that articulated how this residency would build on career momentum and clearly understood the benefit impact on the applicant’s career and/or the sector. 
• Applications that articulated the timeliness of their project, presented a coherent and well thought out itinerary and demonstrated the relevance of their project and intended activities with the Acme London residency program were more competitive. 
• Industry advisors celebrated proposals that are building on a strong knowledge of the local art scene and communities and on pre-existing connections. 
• Competitive applications provided a detailed plan of action and confirmed activities. 
• The stronger applications provided confirmed interest and meetings from institutions or communities in London or the UK backed by letters of support. 
• Applicants who demonstrated how they will be leveraging their time in the residency for making connections, strengthening their profile and expanding their network and visibility scored higher. 
• When First Nations artists, history, practices and/or communities are involved in a project, applicants should provide evidence of genuine community consultation and consent, as well as compliance with the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts. 
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the Creative Australia International team prior to their submission in to order to talk though their application, gain better understanding of the assessment criteria and receive advice on how to best address the criteria. 
• Given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years). 

We received 60 eligible applications to the HIAP: Helsinki International Artist Programme residency, closing date Tuesday 8 July 2025 for two residencies.  

From Tuesday 16 September 2025, you can use our  online grants database to see the list of funded applications.  

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our  website. 

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful: 

• Applications that articulated the timeliness of their project, presented a coherent and well thought out itinerary and demonstrated the relevance of their project and intended activities with the HIAP residency program offering were more competitive. 
• Industry advisors celebrated proposals that are building on a genuine knowledge of the Finnish art's ecology and communities. Competitive applications demonstrated deeper research and consideration of the communities and context relevant to their proposal.  
• Applications scored highly when they demonstrated a deeper thinking around how the applicants will leverage their residency period, for example through knowledge sharing, as well as finding new, original and sustainable ways of collaborating internationally. 
• The stronger applications provided confirmed interest and planned activities with artists or organisations in Finland backed by letters of support. 
• Competitive applications demonstrated a potential for impact that would expand beyond the residency period and could benefit the larger sector. 
• When First Nations and Indigenous communities are referenced in a project, applicants should provide evidence of genuine research and confirmed community consultation and consent, as well as compliance with the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts.
• Industry advisors celebrated applications that carried the applicants’ authentic, honest and personal voices. 
• Applicants are advised to utilise all forms of support material in their application to help industry advisors gain a better understanding of their project and work. Please ensure that your artistic documentation is tailored and specific to your application to HIAP and what you intend to do during the residency. 
• Applicants are reminded to provide passwords to their links when needed and ensure that all their support material can be directly accessed by industry advisors. 
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the Creative Australia International team prior to their submission to talk though their application, gain better understanding of the assessment criteria and receive advice on how to best address the criteria. 
• Given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years). 

We received 49 applications for the 2025 round for two residency places, one for an Australian artist in Bangkok, and the other for a Thai artist in Sydney.

Although there is no specific feedback on individual applications, the assessors provided some general feedback on this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Applicants should:

• Provide a specific rationale for undertaking a residency at the host organisation (i.e., ‘Why UNSW Galleries/SAC Gallery?’, ‘Why Sydney/Bangkok’, ‘Why me?’, and ‘Why now?’). Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of relevance, timeliness, and career impact.
   
• Be explicit and specific about what the impact of this opportunity looks like for you, impact looks different for different artists.
   
• Demonstrate the research you’ve done about any galleries, archives or institutions you’re interested in engaging with, or specific artists or movements.
   
• Consider using the main ‘Application’ section of the online form to show the key stages of your proposed residency plan. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the given timeframe, and ensure your application is focused. Be conscious of exploring too many ideas or activities with no common purpose.
   
• Ensure you’re considering a realistic and achievable use of resources with the allocated budget, and address your proposal’s viability.
   
• Be concise, avoid repetition, and consider using paragraph breaks and punctuation when responding to the assessment criteria. Dense blocks of text, ‘art speak’ and academic jargon can make it difficult for the assessors to understand exactly what you’re doing.
   
• Consider including letters of support from a residency collaborator, colleague and/or industry representative, or from the community/communities you wish to engage with. They should speak convincingly to the value and benefits of the residency opportunity for you and your artistic practice, and can be important.
   
• Demonstrate the artistic strength of your practice by including samples of your work. Do not assume industry advisors are familiar with your work. Ensure your samples are carefully chosen and are specific to your application in terms of what you want to do in media or style.
   
• Adhere to the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts if your application involves First Nations artists, communities or subject matter. Provide evidence in your application and support material/s.

Given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, Australian applicants may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups grants (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).

We received 181 eligible applications to the International Engagement Fund closing date 1 April 2025. 31 applications were funded. From Tuesday 24 June 2025, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round:

• The strongest applications were well articulated, plainly written and clearly explained the outcomes of their proposal. They addressed well: Why this partnership? What are the reciprocal and/or exchange activities planned? Who is involved in the activities? What are the expected outcomes?
• Projects that aligned well with Creative Australia’s International Strategy were celebrated. This can be demonstrated by clearly addressing the assessment criteria; embedding of genuine reciprocity and exchange with the international partners; focusing on community-led and self-determined activities and the impact potential for the sector.
• Assessors celebrated projects that focused on a genuine reciprocal model with the intent to share knowledge, embedded cross-cultural collaboration and benefit the various communities involved.
• For projects involving community engagement or participation, it is important to hear the voice of the community, for example by providing relevant letters of support and confirmed consultation.
• When First Nations artists, creative workers or communities are involved in a project, applicants should demonstrate that the project is self-determined, First Nations-led, provide evidence of genuine consultation and consent, and compliance with the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts.
• Assessors celebrated projects that are building on pre-existing partnerships and activities or developing new partnerships that felt organic and relevant to their previous work or background. The stronger applications provided tailored and relevant letters of support from their listed partners.
• Applications that articulated the timeliness of their project, presented a coherent and well thought out itinerary and demonstrated the relevance of their activities in their targeted regions/markets were more competitive.
• The stronger applications presented a list of artists, creatives collaborators and/or cultural consultants involved in the project even when those were unconfirmed, providing assessors with a better understanding of the artistic strength and viability of the project.
• Assessors marked highly applications that provided a coherent budget with a realistic and comprehensive breakdown of costs, appropriate payments to
• artists, creatives and cultural consultants, and referenced legitimate costs – including access costs.
• Applications that present a stronger focus on international touring, presentation outcomes or career development activities without genuine exchange and reciprocity should consider applying to the Arts Projects for Organisations or the Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups opportunities. Similarly, applications focused on international gatherings attendance or audience and market development, should consider applying to the International Travel Fund.
• Applicants should provide support material that is relevant, showcases the merit of the proposal and best addresses the focus areas of the funding opportunity.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the Creative Australia team prior to their submission in to order to talk though their application, gain better understanding of the assessment criteria and receive some advice on best practices in grant writing.

How were applications assessed:

• A preliminary eligibility check was conducted by Creative Australia staff.
• Two distinct panels composed of Industry Advisors with relevant experience were convened.
• Industry Advisors reviewed the applications and support material and scored each of them against the assessment criteria. 
• Industry Advisors met via video conference to discuss the applications and reached a list of recommended applications.
• The Creative Australia International Engagement team, Project Investment team, Heads of Arts Practice, Music Australia and First Nations Arts and Culture team provided strategic advice on the recommended applications.
• Creative Australia then funded the final list of recommended applications to a level determined by the availability of funds. 

Please contact the International team at international@creative.gov.au, if you would like to discuss other available opportunities and future applications.

We received 151 eligible applications to the International Travel Fund closing date 4 February 2025. 37 applications were funded.  

From Wednesday 2 April 2025, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.  

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.  

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the assessors provided some general feedback on applications to this round:  

• applications that clearly articulated the rationale behind their listed activities, the people they were intending to meet, and their choice of destination(s) and markets, and how it will impact their practice and future work, were highly regarded by assessors
• the most celebrated applications clearly addressed the expected outcomes in their description with an explicit plan of how they would engage with the market/network/people in their travel region
• applications that provided a list of confirmed activities and relevant letters of support or invitations that spoke clearly to the activity’s impact were typically more successful
• applications that demonstrated strong potential market development outcomes and international profile building for the applicant were rated highly by the assessors
• applications that demonstrated a genuine connection, a knowledge of the space and/or a deep community exchange and engagement in their intended destination(s) were generally more compelling
• when First Nations artists, creative workers or communities were involved in a project, applications that demonstrated that the activity was self-determined and First Nations led stood out
• many applications received were ineligible or not competitive because the intended activities didn’t match the guidelines. We strongly recommend contacting the Creative Australia team for advice when preparing your application. 

How were applications assessed:  

• a preliminary eligibility check was conducted by Creative Australia staff
• three panels were convened in Literature, Visual Arts and Multi-Arts, composed of Industry Advisors and Creative Australia staff with relevant experience
• the assessors reviewed the applications and support material and scored each of them against the assessment criteria
• the assessors met via video conference to discuss the applications and reached a list of recommended applications
• the Creative Australia International Engagement team, Project Investment team, Heads of Arts Practice, Music Australia, and First Nations Arts and Culture team provided strategic advice on the recommended applications.  
• Creative Australia then funded the final list of recommended applications to a level determined by the availability of funds.  

We received 82 eligible applications for the 2025 VIPs program.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the assessors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• clearly outline any current links you have with the Australian market, including your track record of international rights acquired or sold and Australian writers published or represented
• make a clear case for the expertise you would bring to the program and how your participation would be of benefit to the Australian industry
• provide a specific rationale for participating in the program. Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of relevance, timeliness, and career impact
• demonstrate any research you’ve done about publishers or agents you’re interested in engaging with, or specific genres or trends
• letters of support from your contacts in the Australian industry or from previous participants in the program are important. They should speak convincingly to the value and benefits of the opportunity for you and what you’ll contribute in return
• in general, unsuccessful applicants did not provide sufficient detail, or clearly or fulsomely articulate their links with, or interest in, the Australian market, how the program would be of benefit to them, and what they would bring to the program in terms of their knowledge and expertise in their home market/s or region
• given the highly competitive nature of this program, you’re encouraged to reapply again in the future – ensuring you address the feedback above. The general calibre of applicants to this program is incredibly strong, and successful candidates often apply more than once before they are successful.

The list of successful candidates will be announced on our website in February.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

We received 7 eligible applications for the 2025-27 VIPs Committee.

Please contact Karen Le Roy at karen.leroy@creative.gov.au for specific feedback on your application.

The successful candidate will be announced on our website in February.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

We received 47 applications for one residency.

From Monday 6 January 2024, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the Industry Advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• provide a specific rationale for undertaking a residency at ISCP (i.e., ‘Why ISCP?’ ‘Why New York?’ ‘Why me?’ and ‘Why now’). Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of relevance, timeliness, and career impact
• impact looks different for different artists/curators – be explicit and specific about what this looks like for you
• demonstrate the research you’ve done about any galleries, archives or institutions you’re interested in engaging with, or specific artists or movements
• consider using the ‘Activity Details’ section of the application form to show the key stages of your proposed residency plan. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the given timeframe, and ensure your application is focused. Be conscious of exploring too many ideas or activities with no common purpose
• ensure you’re considering a realistic and achievable use of resources with the allocated budget, and address your proposal’s viability
• be concise, avoid repetition, and consider using paragraph breaks and punctuation when responding to the assessment criteria. Dense blocks of text, ‘art speak’ and academic jargon can make it difficult for the assessors to understand exactly what you’re doing
• letters of support from a residency collaborator, colleague and/or peer, or from the community/communities you wish to engage with, are important. They should speak convincingly to the value and benefits of the residency opportunity for you and your artistic/curatorial practice
• artistic samples are important to demonstrate your practice. Do not assume industry advisors are familiar with your work. Ensure your samples are carefully chosen and are specific to your application in terms of what you want to do in media or style
• applications involving First Nations artists, communities or subject matter must adhere to the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts and provide evidence of this in their application and support material/s
• given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups grants (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).

We received 86 applications for four residencies.

From Friday 6 December 2024, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• carefully consider context and cultural specificity. Describe why you want to undertake a residency at the Cité in Paris (i.e., what is your need to be in Paris? Why this specific residency?)
• demonstrate how your proposed project, practice, and residency align. Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of project relevance, timeliness, and career impact
• tell the advisors about your career stage and what this residency means for the next steps of your artistic development and career
• detail your plans and confirm activities (where possible) to demonstrate realistic and achievable planning. Consider using the ‘Activity Details’ section of the application form to outline the key stages of your proposed residency program
• supply high quality artistic support material. Ensure your artistic documentation is carefully chosen and specific to your application in terms of what you want to do at the Cité
• industry advisors will not access any URLs that require them to log in or sign up to a platform. This also applies to social media platforms. If you are linking to media files that are private or password protected, please provide the password in the relevant field on the application form
• given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).

We received 21 applications for this Affiliated Fellowship.

From Friday 6 December 2024 you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• it is important to demonstrate a significant record of exhibitions in public institutions and galleries. This opportunity is specifically tailored for established visual artists, so think about your career stage, and whether it is the right time to apply
• carefully consider the context and the cultural specificity of this opportunity. Your reasons for wanting to undertake this Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome must be clearly explained: Why do you need to be in Rome? Competitive applications demonstrated a good use of the Academy’s program, and the location more broadly
• in terms of the Academy’s broader public programs, think about how your proposal will resonate with local audiences – is your concept/thematic relevant?
• the American Academy in Rome’s ethos centres around collaboration and community building. Your ability to collaborate with other Fellows and to contribute to the overall community environment of the Academy is important. Consider how you can demonstrate your collaborative way of working and how you would contribute to the Academy’s ethos
• articulate the timeliness of this opportunity. Why is it important that it happens now?
• articulate how this opportunity will contribute to a new trajectory. Tell us what it means for the next steps of your professional development and career
• supply high quality artistic support material. Ensure your artistic documentation is carefully chosen and specific to your application in terms of what you want to do at the American Academy in Rome
• industry advisors will not access any URLs that require them to log in or sign up to a platform. This also applies to social media platforms. If you are linking to media files that are private or password protected, please provide the password in the relevant field on the application form
• given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).

We received 47 applications for four residencies.

From Friday 6 December 2024, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• provide a rationale for undertaking a residency at the BR Whiting Studio in Rome (i.e., ‘Why Rome?’ ‘Why me?’ and ‘Why now’). Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of project relevance, timeliness, and career impact
• writing samples are vitally important. Do not assume industry advisors are familiar with your work. Ensure your writing samples are carefully chosen and are specific to your application in terms of what you want to do in genre or style
• ensure your application is focused on your proposed residency project. While background information is important for context, it should not outweigh your project proposal and outline
• consider using the ‘Activity Details’ section of the application form to show the key stages of your proposed residency program. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the given timeframe
• consider using the full word count when responding to the assessment criteria. Remember, this application is an opportunity to show how you write, and how you express yourself
• supply letters of support from a residency collaborator, colleague and/or peer. Based on their experience, other writers can speak convincingly to the value and benefits of a residency for you and your artistic practice
• all applications involving First Nations artists, communities or subject matter must adhere to the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts and provide evidence of this in their application and support material
• given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).

We received 28 applications for three residencies.

From Friday 6 December 2024, you can use our online grants database to see the list of funded applications.

You can review the guidelines for the opportunity on our website.

Although there is no specific feedback on applications, the industry advisors provided some general feedback on applications to this round below which you may find helpful.

General feedback on applications to this round

Advice for future applicants:

• provide a rationale for undertaking a residency at the Keesing Studio in Paris (i.e., ‘Why Paris?’ ‘Why me?’ and ‘Why now’). Competitive applications gave compelling reasons in terms of project relevance, timeliness, and career impact
• writing samples are vitally important. Do not assume industry advisors are familiar with your work. Ensure your writing samples are carefully chosen and are specific to your application in terms of what you want to do in genre or style
• ensure your application is focused on your proposed residency project. While background information is important for context, it should not outweigh your project proposal and outline
• consider using the ‘Activity Details’ section of the application form to show the key stages of your proposed residency program. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the given timeframe
• consider using the full word count when responding to the assessment criteria. Remember, this application is an opportunity to show how you write, and how you express yourself
• supply letters of support from a residency collaborator, colleague and/or peer. Based on their experience, other writers can speak convincingly to the value and benefits of a residency for you and your artistic practice
• all applications involving First Nations artists, communities or subject matter must adhere to the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts and provide evidence of this in their application and support material
• given the highly competitive nature of this residency program, you may wish to explore other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (for national and/or international self-directed residencies); and the Marten Bequest Scholarship (for interstate and/or overseas professional development activities for artists under the age of 35 years).