The Mordant Family/Australia Council Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome is being offered for the first time since 2019. The opportunity returns following a pause due to the pandemic and its impact on travel.

Open to Australian visual artists with a significant track record of exhibitions in public institutions and galleries, the fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Mordant Family.

The recipient will have the opportunity to spend two months developing their practice and international networks with accommodation and studio space in the American Academy’s historic building in Rome.

Multidisciplinary artist Alex Seton, best known for his marble sculpture, is currently  undertaking the residency after being selected in 2019. Performance and installation artist Barbara Campbell will undertake a residency later this year. Previous recipients include leading conceptual painter Jenny Watson (2018) and photographic and installation artist Lynne Roberts-Goodwin (2017).

Established in 1894, the Academy is an independent, privately funded institution that supports artists, writers and scholars living and working together in a dynamic international community.

Simon Mordant AO said:

“We are pleased to again be able to offer this opportunity for an established Australian visual artist to pursue their work in an inspiring, collaborative, and supportive environment. The American Academy in Rome holds special significance for our family and we are delighted to support a fifth artist to expand their practice in this exceptional location.”

Australia Council CEO Adrian Collette AM thanked Catriona and Simon Mordant AO for their ongoing support.

“We’re grateful to the Mordant Family for their continued support of Australian participation in this program, providing a valuable opportunity for an Australian artist to build and sustain international networks. This is particularly important as we work to support the mobility of Australian artists following the impact of COVID-19. It is a wonderful example of the sorts of opportunities made possible thanks to support from philanthropic partners.”

Expressions of Interest are now open and will close Tuesday 7 June.

Applicants must outline their plan of activity whilst in Rome and how this residency will further their professional and artistic practice development.

Applicants are encouraged to review the criteria on the Australia Council’s website.

Learn more