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The Friends of the State Library of South Australia Deane Miller Fellowship is a new initiative supporting the research and development of an original and new work inspired by the State Library of South Australia’s collections.  

The Fellowship is open to artists, writers, researchers and creatives working across disciplines. 

Honouring the legacy and generosity of Deane Miller, the Fellowship supports new research and creative practice that engage with the depth and diversity of the State Library’s collections and South Australian stories. It enables the creation of new creative work to be shared publicly. 

The Fellowship supports creative proposals that: 

  • Engage deeply with the State Library’s collections 
  • Offer original creative perspectives on South Australian stories 
  • Demonstrate clear and achievable public outcomes 

Key dates 

  • Applications open: Tuesday 9 June 2026 
  • Applications close: Friday 31 July 2026, 5pm 
  • Winner announced: October 2026 
  • Fellowship period: 12 months 

Fellowship includes 

  • $15,000 funding to support research at the State Library and development of a new creative work 
  • In-kind support from Library staff, including supported access to collections   
  • Access to workspace (where available) 
  • Promotion and documentation of the Fellowship 
  • A public announcement event (October 2026) 
  • A public presentation of the completed project (October 2027) 
  • Three years’ membership of the Friends of the State Library 

Assessment 

Applications will be assessed by a panel which includes representatives of the State Library of South Australia, the Friends of the State Library of South Australia, and an industry representative.  

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

  • Merit and originality of the Fellowship proposal 
  • Engagement with the collections of the State Library of South Australia 
  • Feasibility of the proposed project within the Fellowship timeframe, including capacity to deliver public outcomes 
  • Agreement to the terms of the Fellowship as set out in the documentation prepared by the State Library of South Australia 

Eligibility 

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Demonstrate the capacity to undertake research using State Library collections and develop a new creative work over a 12 month period 
  • Propose a new creative work (not previously completed or already in progress) 
  • Be able to meet the Fellowship requirements and timeline. 
  • Be an Australian resident. Preference may be given to applicants with a demonstrated connection to South Australia. 

Applications may be submitted by individuals or small collaborative teams. A single lead applicant must be nominated and will be responsible for all Fellowship requirements and communication. 

Applicants under 18 years of age must provide written consent from a parent or guardian, including supervision arrangements for the duration of the Fellowship. 

Before you apply 

You will need a well‑developed project idea when applying for the Deane Miller Fellowship, including a clear connection to the State Library of South Australia’s collections. 

If you are considering ideas or shaping a concept, the State Library can assist with: 

  • Identifying relevant collections and material 
  • Navigating catalogues and archives 
  • Exploring how your project might connect to the collections  

For assistance, please contact David Brooks, State Library Research Engagement Lead, email david.brooks@sa.gov.au or phone +61 8 7424 6181. 

How to apply

Applications open Tuesday 9 June and close Friday 31 July, 5pm ACST. The application form below will be available during that period. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Applications must include 

  • Document one: 
    Project proposal 
    Statement addressing the selection criteria  
    Proposed delivery timeline  
  • Document two: 
    Current CV or short biography, with two referees (max two pages) 
  • Document three: 
    Examples of previous work (where relevant max 2,000 words) 
  • Document four: 
    Under 18 consent 
    If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian approval. You will also need supervision whilst researching in the State Library.  

View the Terms & Conditions and FAQs below the online form.

Who was Deane Miller? 

Graham Deane Miller (1929–2018) was a South Australian horticulturalist and landscape professional with an international career and a lifelong interest in culture, history and music. Born in Normanville, South Australia, Deane Miller trained in horticulture in the United Kingdom and Europe before returning to Australia, where he worked in landscape and public garden development. 

Throughout his life, he maintained a strong connection to South Australia and an interest in its history and cultural life. His generosity and legacy are honoured through this Fellowship, which supports new research and creative work inspired by the collections of the State Library of South Australia. 

Contact Us

For further information, please contact the State Library of South Australia 
email: deanemillerfellowship@sa.gov.au

Terms & Conditions

Application requirements 

  • Applications must be submitted online via the relevant award category form.  
  • Applications must be received by 5pm ACST, Friday 31 July 2026.  
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.  
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information provided is accurate. Applications containing false or misleading information may be deemed ineligible. 

Assessment process 

All decisions of the selection panel are final. 

Award and contract 

The selected Fellow will be required to enter into a formal contract with the State Library of South Australia, outlining expectations, deliverables, payment milestones, intellectual property, and other standard terms. 

Fellow obligations 

The Fellow will be required to participate in promotional activities during and following the Fellowship. This may include media interviews, photography or video content, public presentations, and participation in events at the State Library of South Australia and other locations. 

The State Library of South Australia reserves the right to withdraw the Fellowship if the recipient engages in behaviour that may bring the State Library of South Australia or the Friends of the State Library into disrepute. 

Intellectual property 

  • Copyright and ownership of Fellowship outputs remain with the Fellow.  
  • The State Library and the Friends of the State Library reserve the right, in consultation with the Fellow, to refer to, display and use the work royalty free, and as appropriate, in perpetuity. 

General conditions 

  • The State Library of South Australia reserves the right to conduct criminal record checks where deemed appropriate. 
  • The State Library of South Australia reserves the right to withdraw an offer of Fellowship or require repayment of funds where application information is found to be false. 
  • The State Library reserves the right to change conditions of entry, cancel, or vary the Fellowship process at any time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Deane Miller Fellowship?

The Deane Miller Fellowship supports the development of new, original creative work inspired by the State Library of South Australia’s collections. It provides funding, research support and access to collections to enable a creative project that connects research with practice.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to a broad range of creative practices, encouraging diverse and cross-disciplinary responses including writing, visual arts, craft, design, performance and music. Applicants from any location may apply, with preference given to projects that engage with South Australian stories and contexts.

How much funding is offered? 

The Fellowship includes $15,000 to support research and development of a new creative work. 

What does the Fellowship provide?

The Fellowship includes: 

  • A $15,000 cash grant 
  • In-kind research support from State Library staff 
  • Access to the Library’s collections and expertise 
  • Opportunities to share your work publicly and digitally 

What kind of projects are eligible?

We are seeking proposals for new work that: 

  • Draws meaningfully on the State Library’s collections 
  • Demonstrates originality and a strong creative concept 
  • Connects research with creative practice 
  • Can be shared with public audiences 

Projects can span a wide range of formats, including writing, visual arts, performance, design and interdisciplinary work. 

Do I need to be based in South Australia?

No. The Fellowship is open to applicants from anywhere. However, projects that engage with South Australian stories, history or contexts will be prioritised.