Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
Creative Australia has opened applications for the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships, offering $50,000 AUD to support Australian artists aged 21–35 to pursue structured artistic development through interstate or international travel. The scholarship supports study, training and mentorship activities taking place between June 2026 and June 2028 and focuses on long-term career growth.
Creative Australia has announced the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships to support talented young Australian artists to explore, study and develop their artistic practice through interstate and international travel. The scholarship is designed to strengthen artistic skills, expand professional networks and support sustainable career development through a structured and well-planned program of activities.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships aim to enable emerging artists to deepen their artistic practice by undertaking high-quality study, training or mentorship opportunities. The program emphasizes travel as a key mechanism for accessing specialist knowledge, professional environments and international perspectives that may not be available locally.
Funding Available
Each scholarship provides a total of $50,000 AUD, paid in quarterly instalments over two years. Funded activities must take place between June 2026 and June 2028 and must be presented as a coherent and achievable plan for artistic and professional development.
What the Funding Can Be Used For
Funding may be used for study programs, professional training courses and mentor programs that contribute directly to the applicant’s artistic development. Activities may be undertaken interstate or internationally, with the majority of funds expected to support travel-related costs required to access these opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
The scholarship is open only to individual artists who meet strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must be Australian citizens and aged between 21 and 35 years at the closing date, with no exceptions permitted. Successful applicants must provide proof of Australian citizenship, and those who may have difficulty obtaining documentation are encouraged to contact Creative Australia’s Artist Services in advance.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applicants are not eligible if they have an overdue grant report, owe money to Creative Australia or have previously received a grant through the Marten Bequest. All applicants must familiarise themselves with the full Marten Bequest terms and conditions before applying to ensure compliance.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are assessed by Creative Australia staff, with industry advice sought where relevant. Final recommendations are submitted to Perpetual, which makes the final funding decisions. Assessment focuses on artistic quality, career impact and the strength and feasibility of the proposed activities.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on artistic potential and the anticipated impact of the scholarship on career development and sustainability. Assessors consider the relevance and quality of proposed activities, confirmation of mentors or collaborators, and realistic planning, budgeting and use of resources.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Creative Australia’s Application Management System. Applicants are required to provide personal details, confirm eligibility, describe their artistic practice and career goals and clearly outline the proposed scholarship activities, including timelines, locations and expected outcomes.
Support Material Requirements
Support material is mandatory and must be submitted via direct URLs or approved file formats. Requirements vary by artistic discipline and applicants must ensure that all materials meet Creative Australia’s published guidelines to avoid ineligibility.
Common Application Tips
Applicants should ensure their proposed activities form a structured program rather than unrelated opportunities. Clear confirmation of mentors, institutions or collaborators strengthens applications, as does demonstrating how the activities will lead to measurable career development. Budgets should be realistic and clearly aligned with proposed activities.
Why the Marten Bequest Matters
The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships provide a rare and substantial investment in the next generation of Australian artists. By supporting travel-based learning, mentorship and professional training, the scholarship enables artists to build skills, networks and international experience that support long-term creative careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total value of the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship?
Each scholarship is worth $50,000 AUD, paid in quarterly instalments over two years.
Can the scholarship be used for overseas study or training?
Yes. Funds may be used for interstate or international study, training or mentorship programs, with most funding expected to support travel-related costs.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Individual artists who are Australian citizens aged 21–35 at the closing date are eligible to apply, with no exceptions.
Can previous Marten Bequest recipients apply again?
No. Artists who have previously received a Marten Bequest grant are not eligible to reapply.
Is support material required?
Yes. Support material is mandatory and must meet discipline-specific requirements outlined by Creative Australia.
Who makes the final funding decision?
Creative Australia assesses applications and makes recommendations, but the final funding decision is made by Perpetual.
When must the funded activities take place?
All supported activities must take place between June 2026 and June 2028.
Conclusion
The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships offer a significant opportunity for emerging Australian artists to invest in their professional growth through structured, travel-based learning experiences. With substantial funding, flexible use and a strong focus on artistic potential and career impact, the scholarship remains one of Australia’s most prestigious opportunities for young artists seeking to expand their practice and global engagement.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
