Arts, Design & Architecture Arts & Media

SAM Alumni Creative Residency & Grant

SAM Alumni sitting in theatre

The School of the Arts & Media (SAM) Alumni Creative Residency & Grant supports recent graduates in their professional creative endeavours. This flexible residency program is designed to bolster the development of your creative project through access to UNSW facilities, resources and networks.

This opportunity is open to SAM alumni from all creative disciplines. For up to four weeks, you will have to access to the resources and expertise of the Creative Practice Lab (CPL) and the UNSW Multimedia and Immersive Technology Team  including technical, production and design advice as well as access to industry networks. You can also connect with relevant academic teaching and research staff (where appropriate).

Overall facilities could include:

  • rehearsal and performance spaces
  • recording studios
  • audio-visual equipment
  • workshops
  • props and costumes stores.

Applications for 2022 to be announced. 

Read about our previous recipients along with other visiting artists.

  • Applications for the 2022 SAM Alumni Creative Residency & Grant will open in late 2021 (TBC). Key dates will be announced later in the year.

  • 1. Check your eligibility, as explained below.

    2. Download the application form from the above link. The form will ask:

    • Who you are: name and contact details 
    • Graduate details: major/degree/honours/PhD, year graduated, student number (if known)
    • Project description: 200–300 words max.
    • The benefit of the residency to your project and your practice: 100 words max.
    • Facilities and resources: outline what you intend to use, both in the school and your own. 
    • Support material: CV, bio, video and photo documentation of previous work(s).
    • Budget: please use the template provided.
    • Schedule: how you’ll use your time. Again, we have provided a template. 
    • Preferred dates: subject to availability.

    3. Double-check your links to supporting material then send your completed form via email.

    4. We will send you a confirmation of receipt. Please check with us if you don’t receive a confirmation email. 

    5. We will contact you early December 2021.

  • Applications for the 2022 SAM Alumni Creative Residency & Grant will open in late 2021 (TBC). Key dates will be announced later in the year.

  • Major, Program, Degree, Honours, PhD 
    The SAM Alumni Residency Program is open to creative practitioners who have graduated from UNSW Sydney and completed with a major or equivalent pathway and/or postgraduate studies in the School of the Arts & Media (SAM). 

    All disciplines 
    Studies can have been in any discipline within SAM. The disciplines are: Creative Writing, Dance, English, Film Studies, Media, Music, and Theatre and Performance.

    Years 
    Graduates who completed their studies between 2010–2020 inclusive are eligible to apply.

    Professional practice 
    You need to have completed at least one professional creative output, for example, a paid production/performance; publication; public film screening; exhibition; commissioned music composition; music recording. If unsure, please contact us by email.

  • Your creative practice 
    Demonstrate your record as a creative practitioner in your chosen field(s).

    Project ambition 
    Describe what you want out of this residency and how it might fit into a project and/or your artistic ambition.

    Project feasibility 
    Can you do what you are planning to do within the timeframe and resources available?

  • It is expected that you will share some part of your process and/or results of the residency. We ask that you engage with students and/or staff in some way. This may be in the form of a masterclass, public showing, seminar presentation.

    We will discuss engagement opportunities with the recipient(s). You can see our areas of research and practice on the SAM website.

    The successful applicant will be required to write a brief report at the conclusion of the residency. This helps us to support future residencies.

  • We can offer:

    • rehearsal spaces
    • Io Myers Studio, a flexible flat floor performance studio
    • Studio One, a black box performance and rehearsal studio
    • sound recording studios
    • stop-motion animation studio
    • music rehearsal rooms
    • audio-visual equipment (video cameras, video and slide projectors, theatre and film lights, sound recording equipment)
    • props and costumes.

    Read more about our venues here.

    We will do our best to match your preferred times to your requested resources.

    If you have any questions, please contact us via email.

  • Assessment of applications 
    Applications will be assessed by UNSW academic and professional staff, a UNSW alumni representative, and an invited industry guest.

    Announcement 
    All applicants will be notified early December 2021. Timing is dependent on the number of applications and the complexity of selection process.

  • What are the disciplines in SAM? 
    Creative Writing 
    Dance 
    English and Literary Studies 
    Film Studies 
    Media  
    Music 
    Theatre and Performance

    Can groups apply? 
    Yes.

    What if I’m part of a group and the only SAM Alumni? 
    This is fine if the SAM Alumni is a key member of the group.

    What if I work across disciplines? 
    Artists who work within a focused discipline or across a range of disciplines are welcome.