Fellowships

Applications must be submitted before 5:00 pm on Friday 6 February 2026.

Applicants must complete the online application form which requires the following information:

• Project title.
• Project description (up to 500 words).
• Which of the Fellowships – Research, Aboriginal and Writing – you are applying for.
• Outline of your project’s connection to the collections of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania (up to 500 words).
• Anticipated output from your project (up to 500 words).
• Statement about the benefit of your project to the Tasmanian community (up to 300 words).
• Contact details for two referees including their name, position, email and phone number.
• A short-form CV (no more than two pages) and any supporting documentation (up to 5 images and/or 2 pages of text).

All successful applicants will be invited to attend a workshop before the announcement of Fellowship recipients. This workshop provides an opportunity to meet members of the Selection Panel, ask questions, and be introduced to the collections of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania.

Applications for the Research, Aboriginal and Writing Fellowships are invited from individuals who meet three eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• primarily reside in Tasmania (either be registered to vote in Tasmania or hold a current Tasmanian Driver’s Licence)
• be aged 18 or over
• attend an in-person induction at the State Library and Archives of Tasmania.

If applicants live remotely, they must explain in their application how they plan to access and engage with the collections of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania.

Equal consideration will be given to both regular users of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania and those who are new to the institution.

Applicants may submit multiple, distinct applications.

Individuals who have previously worked on projects or fellowships through the State Library and Archives of Tasmania are welcome to apply, provided their proposal is for a distinct, new project.

Fellowships will not be awarded to:

• groups of researchers or writers
• Libraries Tasmania employees.

Applications will be assessed on four criteria:

1. The level of engagement and development shown in the project idea.
2. The level of awareness and planning demonstrated across multiple project stages during the 12-month period.
3. The level of relevance of the project to specific collections held by the State Library and Archives of Tasmania.
4. Evidence of the applicant’s existing body of work, whether already established or in development.

Preference will be given to applications that use innovative ways to engage with and showcase our collections.

We welcome applications and applicants that reflect diversity.

• The Research and Aboriginal Fellowships each award a sum of $10,000.
• The two Writing Fellowships award a sum of $5,000 each.

Distribution of the Fellowship funds will be negotiated with successful applicants. Funds are expected to be released in instalments over the Fellowship’s 12-month period.

Recipients may use the funds at their discretion to cover any expenses that support their proposed project. However, all costs related to the project’s completion and presentation are the responsibility of the Fellowship recipient. Libraries Tasmania will not provide additional funding.

The Fellowship must be used to fund a new, stand-alone project. It cannot be combined with another fellowship or sponsorship nor used to continue an existing project.

Any financial or tax matters arising from receipt of the Fellowship are the responsibility of the recipient.

Fellows are expected to share their work through the State Library and Archives of Tasmania engagement program.

The format and method of sharing will depend on the nature of the work and will be discussed with successful Fellows. Ownership of all work produced during the Fellowship remains with the creator.

Fellowship recipients must agree to:

• sign an agreement with the State Library and Archives of Tasmania which aligns project stages with incremental payments
• adhere to the State Library and Archives of Tasmania Responsible Conduct Policy
• clearly acknowledge the State Library and Archives of Tasmania and the Fellowship in all publications or media coverage of their project
• become a Libraries Tasmania member, if not one already
• submit a one-page report at the completion of their project.

Fellowship recipients are expected to prioritise the Fellowship during their 12-month tenure, including:

• participating in the public launch of their project
• participating in the public presentation of their completed project
• actively promoting their project through various media channels
• communicating with a State Library and Archives of Tasmania mentor, who will be available for consultation and to receive progress updates throughout the Fellowship.

The State Library and Archives of Tasmania will support Fellowship recipients during their tenure by providing:

• priority access to collections and expert staff assistance
• access to a computer in the State Library and Archives of Tasmania Building, 91 Murray Street, Hobart
• desk access to conduct research in the History Room
• on-site storage space for a small number of personal items.

A private office or studio space will not be provided to Fellowship recipients.

Applications will be judged by a Selection Panel made up of:

• one representative from Libraries Tasmania Directors, State Library and Archives of Tasmania
• one representative from the State Library and Archives Service, State Library and Archives of Tasmania
• one representative from the Tasmanian Archives and Special Collections, State Library and Archives of Tasmania
• one external expert in the fellowship area.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview with the Selection Panel.

The Selection Panel will review all applications while respecting the intellectual property and confidentiality of the applicants.

For questions about the Fellowships, contact:

Jane Stewart, Manager State Library and Archives Engagement
State Library and Archives of Tasmania
Email: jane.stewart1@libraries.tas.gov.au

Bec Taylor, Associate Director, State Library
State Library and Archives of Tasmania
Email: bec.taylor@libraries.tas.gov.au