The Forrest Research Foundation offers this two-year appointment for creative and performing arts practitioners to conduct practice-based research at a Western Australian university. Fellows work in Perth and join the interdisciplinary community at Forrest Hall.
The program emphasizes research-led creative initiatives with social, cultural, health, educational or environmental benefits rather than individual performance development. The 2027 intake offered two fellowships and is now closed.
Benefits & funding
- A two-year appointment at a Western Australian university at Level A, Step 8; the University of Western Australia example is AU$116,866 per year in 2026, plus 17% superannuation.
- An accommodation allowance of AU$25,740 per year in 2026, subject to marginal tax, toward a self-contained apartment at Forrest Hall.
- A one-off research and travel allowance of up to AU$12,000 for approved research expenses and travel.
- Interstate and international fellows may apply for relocation support, including an economy airfare to Perth; the 2027 fellowship package was valued at more than AU$300,000.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be of any nationality and may work in any creative or performing arts discipline.
- Applicants need an Honours undergraduate degree completed in 2018 or later, a Master’s degree completed in 2021 or later, or a PhD completed in 2024 or later; documented career interruptions may be considered.
- Applicants need a research component in an Honours, Master’s or PhD program in a creative or performing arts discipline, or proven practitioner-research experience and achievements.
- At least three years of professional creative or performing arts experience is required and may be cumulative across contracts or appointments.
- Applicants must nominate an academic mentor at an eligible Western Australian university, discuss the project with them and obtain their agreement.
- Indigenous applicants and projects involving Indigenous participants are particularly encouraged; this is a preference, not an eligibility restriction.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
Experience required
≥ 3 yrs
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Application process
- 1Select an eligible Western Australian university and contact a proposed mentor to discuss the project and secure their agreement.
- 2Complete the program application form and prepare a curriculum vitae of no more than four pages, grants and awards information, three referees and a photograph.
- 3Save the application form as a PDF and submit it through the online portal with the required files by the published deadline.
- 4If shortlisted, be ready for mentor and referee checks followed by an interview.
Program timeline
28 July 2026
Applications for the 2027 intake announced open.
Information session.
13 August 2026
Application deadline.
31 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. AWST
Shortlisting completed.
Mid-October 2026
Referee checks and interviews.
Mid to late October 2026
Outcomes advised.
By the end of November 2026
Fellowships commence.
2027