2026 Queensland Memory Awards

The Queensland Memory Awards support the documentation, preservation and sharing of Queensland’s memory—past and present—through fellowships and awards.  

Fellowships support researchers and creatives of all kinds to interpret the significant collections of the John Oxley Library. Through deep engagement and interaction with the collections, these interpretations provide new insights into the collection and contribute new knowledge about Queensland’s history.   

The John Oxley Library Awards recognise individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to documenting, preserving, and enhancing our understanding of Queensland’s cultural heritage. Nominations are accepted year-round.    

Using this form you can apply for a fellowship.

The Queensland Memory Awards are supported by sponsors and philanthropic donations through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Open to Australian residents across any discipline or creative field. Eligible applicants include researchers, artists, writers, filmmakers, curators, data scientists, and others, whether working independently or institutionally. Both academic and non-academic applicants are welcome.

• John Oxley Library Fellowship – $25,000
• Monica Clare Research Fellowship – $20,000
• Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship - $20,000
• Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship – $15,000

For full details on each fellowship and the selection criteria used by judges, please refer to the Fellowship Guidelines.

• Australian residents including interstate residents. It is expected that a portion of your fellowship will occur onsite at State Library.
  
  
• Applications are accepted from any discipline or professional background for projects that involve research using State Library collections. This includes but is not limited to researchers, artists, creatives, filmmakers, digital media practitioners, data scientists, musicians and composers, curators and arts professionals, writers, independent scholars and other creatives. Applicants from both academic and non-academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 
  
  
• Applications are accepted from individuals or pairs (maximum two co-applicants).
  
  
• Projects already underway or with other funding are eligible, but this must be disclosed in the application.
  
  
• Relevant archives or collections in other cultural institutions and companies can also be used.
  
  
• Queensland Government employees must upload a letter or email of support from their manager.

• Projects forming part of postgraduate studies are not eligible.
  
  
• Australian Research Council (ARC) or university research teams are ineligible.
  
  
• Applicants must reside in Australia.
  
  
• Current State Library staff and Board members are not eligible to apply.

A panel of judges will assess each application against the specific selection criteria for each fellowship, as outlined in the Fellowship Guidelines.

Key criteria include significance, use of and contribution to collections, impact, and project viability.

After individual assessments, the panel meets to discuss scores, compare evaluations, and select a recipient.

For more information, attend the online Fellowship Information online event on Tuesday 15 July 2025, or watch the 2024 Information Night recording. A dedicated video is also available for Monica Clare Research Fellowship applicants.

Before beginning this application, please read the Fellowships Guidelines.

If you have any questions, contact 07 3840 7887 or email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au.

1. Read the Fellowships Guidelines.
   
   
2. Complete an online SmartyGrants application form. Hard copy applications will not be considered.
   
   
3. Applications open at 9am on 26 June 2025 and close at midnight on 1 August 2025. A link to the SmartyGrants online application form will be available on the Queensland Memory Awards webpage once applications open.
   
   
4. Applications must be submitted before midnight AEST on 1 August 2025. Late applications or supporting material will not be accepted. You should allow for any time difference, and internet connection or submission issues.
   
   
5. It is recommended that you preview the application form before submitting. Mandatory fields, word count limits and file size limits apply. All mandatory fields must be completed to submit.
   
   
6. Once you start your form, you can save and edit it as many times as you like before submitting it. No changes can be made after submitting it.
   
   
7. You may nominate one project for multiple fellowships. If proposing different projects, submit a separate application for each.
   
   
8. Your application should address the selection criteria and will need to include:
   • short biographical statement and CV (maximum 3 A4 pages)
   • short description of your project and its relevance
   • short description of how you will use or contribute to John Oxley Library or State Library collections
   • brief overview of project goals, scope and timelines
   • anticipated outcomes
   • three (3) referees
   • if applicable, details of other funding sources for the project and why fellowship funding is required, and/or details around what stage the project is in if it is not a new project.
     
     
9. You have the option of attaching any supporting material, such as letters of support.
   
   
10. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Important: if you do not receive this email, please check your junk folder. If you cannot find the email then immediately contact State Library at fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au or (07) 3840 7887.