
International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) Australia Fellowship Program
Welcome to the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) Australia Fellowship Program
Applications are now closed.
Applications open: 23 May 2019, for the 2020 intake
Applications close: 22 June 2019 at 7.00 am AEST (21 June 2019 at 17.00 EDT)
This deadline will not be extended and late submissions will not be reviewed.
Accepted applicants notified: 7 August 2019
Program dates: January 2020-January 2022
Applications will be processed by ISPA and selected on merit in consultation with Australia Council for the Arts.
Australia Council scholarship
The Australia Council are partnering with the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) to support four emerging and mid-career leaders from the performing arts sector to participate in a three-year fellowship program, including attendance at New York congresses in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and Taipei congress in mid-2020.
The overall aim of the Fellowship Program is to increase Australian arts leaders’ ability to sustainably and confidently operate in international markets.
The Program
ISPA’s Fellowship Program provides emerging and mid-career performing arts professionals with the opportunity to expand their international networks through membership and attendance at ISPA Congresses. The program targets leaders from specific regions and facilitates their participation in ISPA over an extended period of time.
As part of the program, fellows will attend a one-day pre-congress orientation with other members of the Fellowship Program. Fellows are encouraged to use the opportunity to build and nurture relationships, exchange ideas and to commission and present new works.
The next ISPA Congress will be held in New York in January 2020. Further information about the Fellowship Program is available on ISPA’s website.
The Scholarship
An Australia Council Scholarship of US$24,800 per person over three years will support four high-performing, mid-career Australian performing arts leaders to participate in ISPA’s Fellowship Program. The all-inclusive scholarship covers membership, registration, travel, accommodation, per diems and program expenses.
The Schedule
- ISPA Congress New York 2020: 13-16 January
- ISPA Congress Taipei 2020: Dates TBA (May/June 2020)
- ISPA Congress New York 2021: 11-14 January
- ISPA Congress New York 2022: Dates TBA (January 2022)
Who can Apply
Applicants must:
- be permanent residents or citizens of Australia
- be currently employed/working in the performing arts
- have a minimum of five years professional experience in the arts
- have not received an ISPA Fellowship in the past
- have the ability to attend and fully participate in ISPA for the next three years.
How to Apply
For more information and to apply visit the ISPA website.
Contact
For enquiries about the scholarship, please contact the Capacity Building team at Australia Council for the Arts on 02 9215 9058 or leadershipprogram@australiacouncil.gov.au
For enquiries about the application process or access and support requirements, please contact Program and Development Associate at ISPA, Nora Fleury at nfleury@ispa.org
In partnership with:

Arts Leaders program
The Arts Leaders Program is designed to transform our sector’s knowledge by developing skills and capabilities of our established practitioners. The program brings together leaders from Australia and eligible Indo Pacific countries across artforms and career levels, to inspire and enhance arts leadership. The Arts Leaders Program is a personal and professional development opportunity – it will enhance your skills and capabilities, develop your networks and provide a platform for growth.
Applications are now closed.

Future Leaders program
The Future Leaders Program is designed to transform our sectors knowledge by developing skills and capabilities of our emerging practitioners. The program brings together a group of diverse leaders to engage with current and relevant themes affecting the future of the arts. Together, you will work through common challenges and opportunities faced within the sector today.
The Future Leaders Program is for emerging leaders within their first ten years’ experience in the sector. The program is open to arts leaders working independently, within organisations or the broader community.
Applications for the 2019 round are now closed.

International Leadership program (Indo-Pacific)
In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the International Leadership Program invites applicants from nine eligible Indo-Pacific countries to apply for the Arts Leaders or Future Leaders programs in Australia.
Apply for a fully funded scholarship in one of our groundbreaking programs to transform your leadership and create impact for your organisation, practice or community.
Join colleagues from across our region to explore arts leadership through a different lens and learn through a range of experiences during your visits to Australia.
Applications for the 2019 round are now closed.

Arts Governance program
The Arts Governance Program is a national opportunity for organisations to enhance their governance practices through a program tailored specifically to the arts. The program aims to enhance governance skills, supporting leaders to prosper and arts organisations to thrive.
The program is comprised of two components, an arts governance workshop series and webinar series, both of which are aimed at the leaders (including board members/chairs, as well as senior management and artistic staff) of small to medium arts organisations.