In 2024, Craft introduced the Fresh! Fellowship – an expanded program designed to further foster the creative potential of recent graduates.

For the 2025 Fellowship Program, Craft invites expressions of interest from Naarm/Melbourne-based emerging creatives who have graduated from university undergraduate and TAFE degrees in fine art, craft and design disciplines in 2022, 2023 or 2024.

Providing 12 months of professional mentorship support, the fellowship program responds to the specific needs of emerging artists, developing their knowledge of the sector, and ensuring the participants continue to build their skills and networks as they take their practices from an educational context to a professional one.

The program includes

  • 12-month complimentary Craft Maker Membership – providing access to Craft’s resources and programs to learn, explore and connect.
  • A year-long bespoke Professional Development program including:
    • 4 x group sessions with guest speakers focusing on knowledge & skills building.
    • 4 x gallery visits focused on getting to know & understanding different types of arts organisations within the ecology.
    • 1 x 30min 1-1 industry mentoring session per participant.
    • 2 x anonymous feedback surveys.

Nb. Program dates will be confirmed with participants in early January - there is scope for some participant input here to ensure optimal availability. Activities are mostly in-person activities held at Craft and across various locations in metropolitan Melbourne.

Application Process

Stage 1 - Expression of interest (via online form)
Monday 25 November 2024 - Sunday 8 December 2024

  • Submit 3 photos of your best work - we are looking for artistic merit & engagement with craft practice
  • Proof of having graduated from a craft, fine art or design degree from TAFE (Advanced Diploma) or University (Associate, Bachelor and Honours degrees) in last three years (2022, 2023, 2024) - we are looking for recent graduates.
  • Confirming your availability and interest to participate in the full program of in-person activities running Feb-Dec 2025 - we are looking for full-year engagement.*

All applicants will be notified of the outcome on Monday 9 December, with shortlisted applicants invited to Stage 2.

Stage 2 - Casual 5-10 minute chat (by invitation)
Tuesday 10 December - Friday 13 December 2024 (interview times agreed on with shortlisted participants)

  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an informal chat to tell us why they want to participate and believe they would benefit from the program - we are looking for active participation, motivation and willingness to contribute.

All stage two applicants will be notified of the final outcomes on Monday 14 December.

Questions? | anni@craft.org.au

*We understand due to unforeseen circumstances, illness etc. participants may not be able to attend every session, but we are expecting participants to commit to making a genuine effort to engage in all components.

The Fresh! Fellowship initiative was launched in 2024 with the generous support of Amaeah Foundation.