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Last Updated: 13th June, 2026 | 06:28:17 PM

The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship

The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship: A Path for Emerging Australian Artists

For emerging Australian artists, the road to mastery often requires more than just local practice; it requires immersion in new environments, exposure to global perspectives, and access to world-class mentors. The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious and sought-after opportunities designed specifically to facilitate this journey.

Established through the estate of John Chisholm Marten—a performing artist and dedicated philanthropist—the scholarship aims to support the next generation of creative talent by funding transformative travel and study programs.

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1. The Core Purpose: Investing in Potential

The Marten Bequest is not just a financial grant; it is an investment in the long-term career growth of Australian artists. The funds are explicitly intended to help recipients:

Deepen Artistic Practice: Engage in high-level training, study programs, or mentorships that are unavailable locally.
Access Global Perspectives: Travel interstate or overseas to experience new cultural contexts and professional environments.
Build Sustainable Careers: Use the two-year funding window to build networks, refine skills, and establish a foundation for a lifelong career in the arts.

2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

The Marten Bequest has strict criteria established by the founder's will. Because these are legal requirements, no exceptions are made. To be eligible, an applicant must:

Be an Australian Citizen: Proof of citizenship is required for successful applicants.
Meet the Age Criteria: Applicants must generally be between 21 and 35 years old at the closing date of the application (Note: The age range for ballet applicants is typically 17–35).
Have Outstanding Ability: This is a merit-based scholarship for artists who demonstrate exceptional promise in their chosen discipline.

You are NOT eligible if:

You have an overdue grant report with Creative Australia.
You owe money to Creative Australia.
You have previously received a grant through The Marten Bequest.

3. Disciplines and Funding Details

The scholarship operates on a rotating schedule, meaning different disciplines are prioritized in different years.

Financial Value: Each scholarship provides $50,000 AUD, paid in quarterly installments over two years.
Disciplines: The scholarship covers a wide range of fields, including acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture, and singing.
- Note: Because the list of eligible disciplines changes annually, applicants must verify if their specific field is open for the current cycle. For example, recent rounds have prioritized acting, instrumental music, painting, and poetry, with other disciplines covered in alternate years.

4. How Applications Are Assessed

Competition for the Marten Bequest is high. Applications are administered by Creative Australia on behalf of the trustee, Perpetual Limited. The assessment process focuses on:

Artistic Quality: The depth, originality, and excellence of your current body of work.
Career Impact: A clear, coherent, and achievable plan for how the travel and training will tangibly advance your artistic and professional development.
Feasibility: The ability of the applicant to execute the proposed program of activities within the two-year timeframe.

5. Strategic Advice for a Winning Application

If you are considering applying, treat the process with the professional rigor it demands:

Plan Your Program Carefully: The committee wants to see a well-structured plan. Don't just list a destination; detail what you will do, who you will work with (mentors/schools), and how it will transform your practice.
Start Early: The application requires a proposal, letters of support, and often samples of your work. You must be registered in the Creative Australia application management system at least two business days before the closing date.
Leverage Your Letters of Support: Strong, recent references (no more than one year old) from industry professionals can significantly bolster your application by validating your potential and the value of your proposed program.
Emphasize the "Why": Why is travel essential to your growth right now? Articulate clearly why your professional goals cannot be achieved by staying in your current environment.

Stay Updated

The Marten Bequest is a beacon for young Australian talent. Because application rounds can close early if a limit is reached, it is vital to keep an eye on the official Creative Australia website and subscribe to their newsletters for the most current information on deadlines and eligible disciplines.

Disclaimer: Scholarship details, including deadlines, eligible disciplines, and age requirements, can change. Always refer to the official Marten Bequest guidelines provided by Creative Australia before beginning your application.

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Description

The Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship is open to native-born Australians aged 21-35 (17-35 ballet) who are of outstanding ability and promise in one or more categories of the Arts.

Other Criteria

The scholarships are intended to augment a scholars own resources towards a cultural education, and may be used for study, maintenance, and travel either in Australia or overseas.

Amount

Variable

You must be studying in one of the following countries:

Unrestricted

Deadline

Variable

You must be from one of the following countries:

Australia

Number of Awards

You must be studying one of the following:

Arts, Visual & Performing

Includes

Contact Information

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