OBSERVER: Frank van Straten Fellowship applications open
Applications for the 2025 Frank Van Straten Fellowship close on March 23.
Arts enthusiasts are offered the opportunity to research and develop a project of their choosing in exploration of the iconic Australian Performing Arts Collection (APAC).
“We are so grateful and immensely proud to be launching this, our sixth Frank Van Straten Fellowship. Over the years, through this important and innovative program, we’ve had tremendous creative projects tell stories from the Australian Performing Arts Collection including podcasts, online exhibitions, a recreation of a dance piece and the writing of a show. This is what makes the Collection so powerful – to be able to explore these identities and precious objects, to reach through time and reconnect us through creativity and the performing arts,” said Karen Quinlan, CEO, Arts Centre Melbourne.
In line with application guidelines, the successful recipient will gain special access to the Collection for their project, along with $15,000 to undertake research aligned to key areas including circus, dance, music, opera and theatre (which includes comedy, vaudeville and magic).
The aim of the Frank Van Straten Fellowship is to tell stories of performance and performers through the extraordinary objects from the Australian Performing Arts Collection that will resonate with diverse audiences. The Frank Van Straten Fellowship is made possible by the generous contribution of The Van Straten and Turley Foundation.
The Fellowship also honours the memory of the late Frank Van Straten who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Performing Arts Collection in the late 1970s and was the founding director and first archivist of what was then the Performing Arts Museum in the 1980s. He was a celebrated performing arts historian, published author, consultant, radio presenter, and throughout his career, graciously served on many boards, committees and panels across the arts and cultural sector.
Current recipient Ali McGregor (2024) is investigating the life and career of 1880s Australian actress Nellie Stewart, affectionately known as ‘The Rose of Australia’, in what will become a stage show aimed at reviving Stewart’s legacy through the musical repertoire that made her famous.
For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold