Forrest Creative Fellowships 2025 for Arts Researchers

The Forrest Creative Fellowships 2025, offered by the Forrest Research Foundation in Western Australia, provide an exceptional opportunity for researchers and practitioners in the creative and performing arts. These fellowships support individuals who combine artistic excellence with research, leadership, and community engagement.

Since its establishment, the Forrest Research Foundation has supported over 60 PhD and postdoctoral fellows worldwide, enabling groundbreaking research across disciplines. The Creative Fellowships emphasize excellence, engagement, and curiosity, fostering research with global social and cultural impact.

Scholarship Benefits

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial and professional support:

Salary and Employment

• 2-year appointment at a Western Australian university

• Salary Level A, Step 8 (~$108,362 AUD per year)

• 17% superannuation

Accommodation Supplement

• $25,116 AUD per year (2025 rate)

• Housing in a self-contained apartment at Forrest Hall

Research and Travel Allowance

• Up to $12,000 AUD one-off grant for research expenses, international conferences, and overseas collaborations

Relocation Support

• Economy airfare to Perth for interstate or international fellows

• Additional relocation assistance, if required

This holistic support covers living, research, travel, and relocation costs, making it one of the most competitive fellowships globally.

Eligibility Criteria

The Forrest Creative Fellowships are open to applicants of all nationalities. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Qualifications

• PhD, Master’s, or First Class Honours degree

• Degree completion timelines:

  • Honours: 2017 or later

  • Master’s: 2020 or later

  • PhD: 2023 or later

Research and Professional Experience

• Research in creative arts or performing arts, or equivalent practitioner research

• Minimum three years of professional experience in creative or performing arts

Special Consideration

• Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged

• Projects involving Indigenous participants are preferred

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form (via Forrest Research Foundation website)

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages) highlighting academic, professional, and creative achievements

• List of previous grants, awards, and fellowships

• 3–4 referees:

  • 2 academic referees

  • 1 professional or artistic referee

  • 1 personal referee (optional)

• Professional photograph (for interview purposes)

Tip: Strong references and evidence of both research excellence and community impact enhance application success.

Application Process

1. Online Application – Complete the form on the Forrest Research Foundation website

2. Submit CV and Supporting Documents – Include all academic, professional, and creative achievements

3. Provide Referees – Ensure referees can attest to research, creativity, and social impact

4. Review and Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews

Deadline

• Applications Open: Now

• Closing Date: 8 September 2025

• Fellowship Start: Early 2026 (flexible, in coordination with host university)

Final Notes

The Forrest Creative Fellowships are more than financial support—they are a platform for transformative leadership in the creative arts. Fellows combine research, artistry, and community engagement to drive social, cultural, and academic impact in Western Australia and globally.

FAQs – Forrest Creative Fellowship

Q1: Who can apply for the fellowship?
A: Applicants of all nationalities with creative arts research or practitioner experience.

Q2: Is a PhD required?
A: No. Strong professional achievements and research experience in creative fields are sufficient.

Q3: What referees are needed?
A: Two academic, one professional or artistic, and one optional personal referee.

Q4: Can the fellowship start be deferred?
A: Deferral is generally not allowed; confirm with the Foundation.

Q5: What does the fellowship fund cover?
A: Salary, superannuation, accommodation, research and travel grants, and relocation support.

Q6: Are Indigenous applicants encouraged?
A: Yes. Projects involving Indigenous participants are highly preferred.