Helpmann Academy

There’s less than TWO WEEKS LEFT to apply for the Helpmann Academy First Nations Award 2026! 📣

https://helpmannacademy.com.au/first-nations-award-2026-apply-now/

With $5,000 available to support your next creative project, mentorship, professional development opportunity or new idea, now is the time to take the next step in your creative practice.

Open to eligible First Nations emerging creatives from Adelaide University and Flinders University, the award supports projects and opportunities that strengthen creative practice and career development over 12 months.

Interested applicants are encouraged to book a chat with Helpmann Academy Program Manager Toni Wills before applying.

Applications close Monday 15 June 2026 at 11:59pm ACST.

The First Nations Award is proudly supported by SA Power Networks.

For over 30 years, Helpmann Academy has empowered emerging creatives through opportunities that build sustainable careers. This annual appeal, your donation can help create more of these moments through our programs or the Helpmann Future Fund.

Thanks to matched funding from the Helpmann Future Fund’s Founding Donors and Creative Australia’s Plus1 program, every $1 donated to the Fund before EOFY becomes $3, tripling your impact for emerging creatives.

Give today. Shape tomorrow. https://helpmannacademy.com.au/appeals/

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Founding Donors of the Helpmann Future Fund:
Christopher & Christine Guille
Grosset Gaia Foundation
Sam & Margo Hill-Smith
Philippe & Diana Jaquillard
K&S Langley Family
Lang Family Foundation
LK Law
Paul & Fatima McHugh
David McKee AO & Pam McKee
Nick Ross & The Ross Family
With special thanks to Creative Australia

June is here, and so are some exciting opportunities for emerging creatives! 🚀

Applications are OPEN for:

✨ First Nations Award 2026
Up to $5,000 to support projects, professional development, creative exploration and skill-building opportunities. Closes: Monday 15 June.

✨ Elevate Mentorships 2026
Up to $3,000 to support a tailored mentorship with an established industry professional. Closes: Tuesday 30 June.

✨ British School at Rome Residency 2027
A life-changing residency opportunity valued at $30,000, supporting an emerging creative to undertake a three-month residency in Rome, Italy. Closes: Wednesday 15 July.

Explore the opportunities, key dates and application information via our Program Calendar! https://helpmannacademy.com.au/program-calendar-2026/

Applications are now OPEN for the Helpmann Academy British School at Rome Residency 2027 🇮🇹

Valued at $30,000, this incredible opportunity will support one emerging South Australian artist to undertake a three-month residency at the prestigious British School at Rome from April–June 2027.

Interested in applying? Join our FREE online information session on Monday 15 June at 6pm ACST and hear directly from 2026 resident Josh Juett, tuning in live from his studio in Rome to share insights into the residency experience, life in Italy and developing creative practice abroad.

This is your chance to take a live peek at where you could be living and working in Rome! Applications close Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Register for the online info session: https://events.humanitix.com/british-school-at-rome-2027-online-information-session

This career-expanding opportunity is generously funded by David McKee AO and Pam McKee, and the Lang Family Foundation.

Take the next step in your creative career with Elevate Mentorships 2026 ✨

Valued at $3,000, Helpmann Academy’s Elevate Mentorships connect emerging creatives with established industry professionals for tailored mentorship opportunities focused on creative and professional growth.

2025 recipient used her mentorship to connect with playwrights across Argentina and Australia, expanding her perspective on multicultural creative development and international collaboration.

We strongly encourage interested applicants to book a chat with our Program Manager before applying!

Applications close Tuesday 30 June 2026. Learn more or apply now via our website. ⬆️

The Elevate Mentorship Program is proudly supported through a giving circle of philanthropic patrons.

Recently, our Open Masterclass with brought together three incredible ensembles from Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts, alongside students from Playford International College. Such a special Masterclass to be in the room for! 🎷✨

📸 by

You only have a few days left to apply for up to $3,000 cash! 📢💰

Development Grants are designed to support your next creative project, mentorship, professional development opportunity or big idea. Past recipients have travelled internationally for mentorships, developed new work and expanded their creative practice using these funds.

Open to eligible final year students and graduates from Adelaide University and Flinders University within five years of graduation.

Applications close THIS SUNDAY 31 May 2026 at 11:59pm ACST. https://helpmannacademy.com.au/development-grants-2026-apply-now/

Development Grants are made possible through the generosity of John Phillips and the support of CreateSA.

📸: Bryan May