Fresh! Fellowship is a program designed to foster the creative potential of recent graduates.

For the 2026 Fresh! Fellowship program, Craft invites expressions of interest from Naarm/Melbourne-based emerging creatives who have graduated from tertiary degrees in fine art, craft and design disciplines in 2023, 2024 or 2025.

Providing 10 months of professional mentorship support, the fellowship program responds to the specific needs of emerging artists. The program is designed to develop participants' knowledge of the creative sector and 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
  • 4 x group sessions with guest speakers focusing on knowledge and skills building
  • 4 x gallery or studio visits focused on getting to know and understand different types of arts organisations
  • 1 x 30 minute industry mentoring session per participant

Program dates will be confirmed with participants in January. Activities are mostly in-person activities held at Craft and across various locations in Victoria.

Application Process

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Complete the online form to apply. Applications close: Monday 12 January 2026, 11:59pm

  • Submit 3 photos of your best work (we are looking for artistic merit and engagement with craft practice)
  • Confirm you have recently graduated from a craft, fine art or design degree from TAFE (Advanced Diploma) or University (Associate, Bachelor and Honours degrees) in the last three years (2023, 2024, 205)
  • Outline why you are interested in participating in the program

All applicants will be notified of their application outcome in mid-January, with shortlisted applicants invited to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Casual 5-10 minute chat

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 2 applicants will be notified of the final outcomes by the end of January.

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