We received 135 eligible applications to the Cité internationale des arts residency, closing date 5 August 2025 for three residencies.  

From 19 December 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 clearly described the proposed residency project. Applicants should avoid unnecessary repetition, use paragraph breaks and punctuation when responding to the assessment criteria and provide relevant information and context to help assessors understand what the project is.
• Applicants are encouraged to start their application by providing a summary of their proposed project before addressing each of the three assessment criteria.
• Applications that addressed the relevance and importance of both the Paris and Cité internationale des arts residency context were more competitive.
• Applications that described the criticalness and timeliness of this residency program were ranked more highly.
• Industry advisors were excited by proposals that articulated how this residency would build on career momentum and clearly understood the impact of international exposure to the applicant’s work and career.
• Applications that presented a rigorous, coherent and well researched itinerary were more competitive. Applicants are encouraged to detail their plans and confirmed activities (where possible) in the ‘Activity Details’ section to demonstrate realistic and achievable planning.
• Applicants who demonstrated how they will be leveraging their time in the residency for making connections, expanding their networks in France and Europe, and strengthening their visibility were more competitive.
• Artistic support material is crucial to demonstrate the applicant’s practice and artistic background. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure their support material samples are carefully chosen and tailored to their application and what they’d like to achieve with this program.
• Applicants should demonstrate any research and consultation they’ve undertaken when intending to engage with communities in their project through letters of confirmation or support material for example.
• When First Nations artists or 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
• 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, applicants should consider exploring other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (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 57 eligible applications to the Keesing Studio residency at the Cité internationale des arts, closing date 5 August 2025 for three residencies.  

From 19 December 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 clearly described the proposed residency project. Applicants should avoid unnecessary repetition, use paragraph breaks and punctuation when responding to the assessment criteria and provide relevant information and context to help assessors understand what the project is.    
• Applications that addressed the relevance and importance of both the Paris and Cité internationale des arts residency context were more successful. The industry advisors were excited by proposals that articulated how this residency would build on career momentum and clearly understood the impact of international exposure to the applicant’s work and career.
• Applications that demonstrated the relevance of the length of residency period chosen to their project and showed achievable outcomes during the dedicated time were more competitive.
• Industry Advisors celebrated proposals that clearly demonstrated the applicant’s ability to hit the ground running to maximise their residency period and showcased a good knowledge of Paris and its local ecology.
• The stronger applications provided confirmed interest, meetings or collaborations when relevant backed by letters of support that spoke to the value and benefits of a residency to the applicant, as well as their ability to achieve their proposed activities.
• Proposals that demonstrated maturity, resonated with the social and cultural context and framework of Paris and/or France, and showcased how this context can inform and enrich the applicants’ practice scored highly.
• Writing samples are crucial. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure their writing samples are carefully chosen and tailored to their application and the proposed residency project in terms of genre or style, as well as providing excerpts from previous work.
• Applicants are reminded to check their uploaded support material and links to ensure that they can all be easily accessed and read by industry advisors. If linking to media files that are private or password protected, applicants should provide the password in the relevant field on the application form.
• When First Nations artists or 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
• 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, applicants should consider exploring other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (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 30 eligible applications to the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) residency, closing date 5 August 2025 for one residency opportunity. 

From 19 December 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 clearly described the proposed residency project. Applicants should avoid the use of dense blocks of text and unnecessary jargon which can make it difficult for the assessors to understand exactly what the project is.
• Industry advisors were excited by proposals that articulated how this residency would build on career momentum and clearly described the impact on the applicant’s career and their work.   
•  Applicants are encouraged to use the ‘Activity Details’ section of the application form to show the key stages of their proposed residency plan. The activities should demonstrate realistic and achievable planning and focus on the intended project.
• The stronger applications demonstrated a strong and genuine understanding of the local art scene as well as pre-existing connections and working relationships in New York. When listing specific organisations or people they want to engage with, applicants should demonstrate the relevance of these connections to them and/or their project.
• Applicants who provided a specific rationale for undertaking a residency at ISCP, and who demonstrated how they will be leveraging their time in the residency for making connections, strengthening their profile and expanding their network were more competitive.
• When First Nations artists or 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 
• Letters of support from colleagues, peers and/or communities, applicants wish to engage with are important. They should speak convincingly to the value and benefits of the residency opportunity for the applicant and their artistic/curatorial practice.
• Applicants are reminded to check their uploaded support material and links to ensure that they can all be easily accessed and read by industry advisors. If linking to media files that are private or password protected, applicants should provide the password in the relevant field on the application form.
• 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, applicants should consider exploring other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (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 57 eligible applications to the BR Whiting Studio residency, closing date 5 August 2025 for three residencies.  

From 19 December 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 addressed the relevance and importance of both being in Rome and undertaking a residency at the BR Whiting Studio were more compelling.
• Applications that demonstrated the relevance of the chosen residency length to their project and showed achievable outcomes during the dedicated time were more competitive. Industry advisors were excited by proposals that clearly indicated the impact on the applicant’s work and career.
• Applications that articulated the timeliness of their project, and presented a rigorous, coherent and well researched itinerary were more competitive. Applicants are encouraged to detail their plans and confirmed activities (where possible) in the ‘Activity Details’ section to demonstrate realistic and achievable planning.
• Applicants are encouraged to supply confirmation letters or support material from collaborators, colleagues and/or peers who can speak to the value and benefits of a residency to the applicant.
• Writing samples are crucial. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure their writing samples are carefully chosen and tailored to their application to the BR Whiting Studio and to the proposed residency project in terms of genre or style. Industry advisors celebrated applications that showed passion and the authentic voices of applicants.
• Applicants are reminded to check their uploaded support material and links to ensure that they can all be easily accessed and read by industry advisors. If linking to media files that are private or password protected, applicants should provide the password in the relevant field on the application form.
• When First Nations artists or 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
• 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, applicants should consider exploring other Creative Australia opportunities, such as the Arts Projects program (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 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 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 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 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 98 eligible applications to the International Travel Fund closing date 19 August 2025. 21 applications were funded. From Thursday 30 October 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:

• clearly articulate the rationale behind your activities, provide information on the people you are intending to meet, and your choice of destination(s) and markets, and how it will impact your practice and future work
• clearly describe the expected outcomes of the activity and provide a plan of how you will engage with the market/event. 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
• describe the potential market development outcomes and international profile building opportunities offered by the event you are planning to attend
• provide a list of confirmed activities and relevant letters of support or invitations where relevant, that speak to the activity’s potential impact
• clearly describe how you will spend the funding. Avoid providing very broad budget information with little detail
• when First Nations artists, creative workers or communities are involved in a project, applicants need to demonstrate that the activity complies with the Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts
• 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 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 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).