State Library Fellowships 2027

The State Library Fellowships and Medals program supports the documentation, preservation and sharing of Queensland’s memory – past and present. The program’s objectives are intended to align with State Library’s Strategic Plan and Queensland’s Time to Shine: a 10-year strategy for arts and culture 2025–2035. State Library, which represents the State of Queensland, conducts this program. 

Fellowships are offered to attract researchers and creatives to explore, interpret and contribute to the significant collections of the John Oxley Library. 

Use this form to apply for a fellowship. Entry to State Library Fellowships and Medals is free. 

State Library Fellowships and Medals are supported by philanthropic gifts and partnerships through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Open to Australian residents in any discipline or form of expression, for projects or research of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to historians, 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. 

• John Oxley Library Fellowship – $25,000
• Monica Clare Research Fellowship – $20,000
• Rainbow Research Fellowship – $20,000
• Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship – $20,000 
• Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship – $15,000
• Letty Katts Fellowship – $5,000  

For full details about the program and assessment process, please refer to the Application Guide, including the Terms and Conditions.

1. Read the Application Guidelines.
2. Complete this SmartyGrants application form. Hard copy applications will not be considered.
3. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm AEST on 15 October 2026. Late applications or supporting material will not be accepted. You should allow for any time difference, and internet connection or submission issues. 
4. 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. 
5. Once you start your form, you may save and edit it as many times as you like before submitting it. No changes can be made after submission. 
6. A project may be nominated in multiple fellowship categories. The applicant may nominate more than one project. If proposing different projects, submit a separate application for each. 
7. Your application should address the selection criteria and will need to include
   - a project title
   - a short biographical statement and Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 A4 pages) 
   - a short description of your project and its relevance 
   - a short description of how you will use or contribute to John Oxley Library or State Library collections 
   - a brief overview of project goals, scope and timelines 
   - anticipated outcomes 
   - two (2) referees with knowledge of your research capabilities
   - if applicable, details of other funding sources for the project and why fellowship funding is required, and/or details about what stage the project is in if it is not a new project. 
8. You have the option of attaching supporting material, such as letters of support. 
9. 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. 

Before beginning this application, please read the Application Guide. If you have any questions please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au.