Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
Creative Australia is inviting applications for the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship, a $30,000 AUD biennial travelling scholarship for Australian ballet artists under 30. The scholarship supports outstanding young dancers to access advanced training, study and mentorship opportunities that may otherwise be financially unattainable.
Creative Australia has announced the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship to support the professional development of young ballet artists with exceptional ability and promise. The scholarship is designed to help emerging dancers at a critical stage of their career by providing financial support for high-level training and professional development opportunities.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship aims to support culture and advance education in Australia by enabling talented ballet artists to pursue advanced opportunities that strengthen their technical skills, artistic expression and long-term career prospects. The scholarship places a strong emphasis on access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints.
Scholarship Value and Duration
The scholarship is awarded biennially and is valued at $30,000 AUD. Funding is paid in two instalments of $15,000 over a two-year period, allowing recipients to undertake a structured and carefully planned program of professional development.
What the Funding Can Be Used For
Scholarship funds may be used to support study programs, professional training courses and mentor programs that directly contribute to the applicant’s development as a ballet artist. The proposed activities must clearly demonstrate that they would not otherwise be achievable without financial assistance from the scholarship.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to individual artists who are Australian citizens and aged between 17 and 29 years at the closing date, with no exceptions permitted. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding ability and promise in ballet and meet all administrative requirements set by Creative Australia and the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship Trust.
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 Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application submission.
Who Administers the Scholarship?
The scholarship is administered by Creative Australia on behalf of Perpetual, which acts as trustee. Creative Australia manages the application and assessment process, while the final decision regarding the award rests with Perpetual.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed on quality, including artistic potential and the expected impact of the proposal on career development and viability. Assessment also considers the relevance and timeliness of proposed activities, confirmation of partners or mentors and the realism of planning, timelines and use of resources.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Creative Australia’s Application Management System. Applicants are required to provide personal details, confirm eligibility, outline their professional practice and career goals and clearly describe the proposed scholarship activities, including training providers, mentors, locations and timelines.
Supporting Material Requirements
Supporting material is a required component of the application and must be submitted in approved digital formats or via direct URLs that do not require login access. Materials may include video recordings of class work, studio practice or performances, as well as letters of support that strengthen the application.
Common Application Tips
Applicants should clearly explain why the proposed training or mentorship is essential at their current career stage and why it is not financially accessible without support. Strong applications include confirmed institutions or mentors, realistic planning and a clear link between the proposed activities and long-term career development in ballet.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship plays an important role in supporting the next generation of Australian ballet artists. By removing financial barriers to elite training and mentorship, the scholarship helps young dancers build sustainable professional careers in a highly competitive field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total value of the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship?
The scholarship provides $30,000 AUD, paid in two instalments over two years.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Australian citizens aged 17–29 at the closing date with outstanding ability and promise in ballet are eligible to apply.
What types of activities can the scholarship fund?
Funding can support study programs, professional training courses and mentor programs that directly contribute to ballet career development.
Who makes the final decision on the award?
Creative Australia administers the process, but Perpetual, as trustee, makes the final funding decision.
Is supporting material required?
Yes. Supporting material such as video recordings and letters of support is required and must be submitted online in approved formats.
Can previous recipients apply again?
No. Artists who have previously received a Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship are not eligible to reapply.
Conclusion
The Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship offers a significant opportunity for young Australian ballet artists to advance their professional development through high-level training and mentorship. With substantial funding, a strong focus on artistic potential and support for otherwise inaccessible opportunities, the scholarship remains a key pathway for emerging ballet talent in Australia.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.