Queensland Memory Awards- Monica Clare Research Fellowship

📝 About Queensland Memory Awards - Monica Clare Research Fellowship

In 2026, the State Library will offer fellowships supporting research into:

• Queensland history
• First Nations history
• Business history
• The EKKA — the state’s largest annual event

This fellowship is awarded annually to individuals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to research, explore, and create new knowledge about Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures using the John Oxley Library and State Library collections and resources.

The fellowship is named after Monica Clare, a political activist and author. Ms. Clare was the first Indigenous woman to have a novel published. Her novel, Karobran (meaning "together"), was published in 1978, five years after her death.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 30, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 01, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Opportunity Location: Australia
• Eligible Locations: Australia

🎁 Benefits

Recipients of the fellowship will receive:

• A stipend of $20,000
• A personal workspace within the Neil Roberts Research Lounge for 12 months
• Premium access to State Library’s extensive collections and library staff expertise

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Australian residents, including interstate residents. A portion of the fellowship must occur onsite at the State Library.
• Applications are accepted from any discipline or professional background for projects involving research using State Library collections. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Researchers
  • Artists
  • Filmmakers
  • Digital media practitioners
  • Data scientists
  • Musicians and composers
  • Curators and arts professionals
  • Writers
  • Independent scholars
  • Other creatives
• Applications are accepted from individuals or pairs (maximum two co-applicants).
• Projects already underway or with other funding are eligible, but this must be disclosed in the application.
• Relevant archives or collections in other cultural institutions and companies can also be used.
• Queensland Government employees must upload a letter or email of support from their manager.

🌟 Selection Criteria

Significance

• High-quality, original, and creative concept
• Creation of new knowledge or content about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander history and culture in Queensland
• Relevant and timely research, project activities, and outcomes

Collection Use and Creation

• Significant use of, or contribution to, State Library collections
• Supports State Library’s collecting priorities outlined in their Content Strategy
• Potential for increasing public knowledge of State Library’s collections

Impact

• Potential to inspire interest in Queensland history and foster new perspectives
• Potential to connect State Library and Queensland’s First Nations communities
• Potential for tangible public outcomes such as creative work, exhibitions, lectures, written work, online products, or performances

📋 Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:

1. A short biographical statement
2. CV (maximum 3 A4 pages)
3. Short description of the project and its relevance
4. Short description of how the applicant will use or contribute to John Oxley Library or State Library collections
5. Brief overview of project goals, scope, and timelines
6. Anticipated outcomes
7. Three (3) referees
8. If applicable:
   • Details of other funding sources for the project and why fellowship funding is required
   • Details of the project stage if it is not a new project

Application Portal

Apply for the fellowship via the official application portal.

📅 Application Deadline

August 01, 2025

🔗 Additional Information

Learn more about the fellowship on the Queensland Memory Awards official page.

Apply directly via the application portal.

For further inquiries, please contact the State Library of Queensland.

• The fellowship recipient receives a stipend of $20,000
• a personal work space within the Neil Roberts Research Lounge for 12 months
• premium access to State Library’s extensive collections and library staff expertise.