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Frequently asked questions
Index
1. How do I apply for a Samstag Scholarship?
2. How can I tell if I am eligible?
3. Must I provide evidence of my eligibility?
8. Can I receive or apply for other cultural and study grants while I am holding a Samstag Scholarship?
9. I graduated with a photography major and now work in digital media. Is this work competitive?
11. Do I need to enrol in an overseas course before submitting my Samstag application?
12. How can I identify the best courses of overseas study for me?
13. If I'm an Australian citizen living abroad, am I eligible for a Samstag Scholarship?
14. When will I find out if my application is successful? Will you give me reasons if I'm unsuccessful?
15. When must I use my Samstag Scholarship, if awarded?
16. Can I submit different forms of visual documentation?
17. Do I have to provide the original version of my academic records and other documentation?
18. Will the Samstag Program return my documentation?
Q and A
1. How do I apply for a Samstag Scholarship?
Submit an application on the current Samstag application form, downloaded from the Samstag website, or obtained from the Samstag
Program office (08) 8302 0865.
2. How can I tell if I am eligible?
You must carefully read the Guidelines for Applicants, paying
close attention to Section 3, Eligibility.
3. Must I provide evidence of my eligibility?
Yes. Your application will not be considered by the selection committee unless you provide proof of Australian citizenship (or permanent residence status), and can demonstrate – through copies of official academic records – that you meet the eligibility criteria relating to your Australian visual arts education.
No, unless you are already a graduate within the last five years – by the Samstag closing date – of a practice-led visual art academic degree at an appropriate Australian institution of higher education, and are an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status.
5. I graduated from art school more than five years ago, but am currently undertaking post-graduate study at an appropriate Australian institution. Am I eligible?
Only if you can demonstrate that your academic degree will be conferred by the Samstag closing date.
6. Can I use my Samstag Scholarship as an artist-in-residence with an overseas organisation, or to just travel?
No. Samstag Scholarships must be used for studio-based programs through formal enrolment under the auspices of an approved educational institution. (See Guideline 1.3
and 1.4).
Yes, but if you are awarded the Samstag Scholarship you would become ineligible for the ISCP Studio Residency in that year.
8. Can I receive or apply for other cultural and study grants while I am holding a Samstag Scholarship?
Not if they are substantial awards, grants or paid leave for the same period as your Samstag Scholarship. In fact, applicants MUST accurately declare in their application (See Application question 8) whether they have received or applied for, or are intending to apply for such other opportunities, for example Australia Council Fellowships etc, or Australian university post-graduate study scholarships. While it may be acceptable for Samstag Scholarship recipients to defer other awards they have secured, a failure to accurately declare this information will result in revocation of the Samstag Scholarship.
Modest-sized cultural project grants (for producing artworks, for participation in exhibitions, or for travel prior to the Samstag Scholarship period) already secured or sought at the time of application are generally acceptable, provided they are declared.
9. How can I identify the best courses of overseas study for me?
There are thousands of overseas institutions offering visual arts programs. You will need to do some research to identify institutions and study programs which best suit your objectives. Some starting suggestions are provided in the
Guidelines for Applicants. Leading overseas institutions now provide much information by website, accessible through Australian art school libraries. Academic staff at your art school might also have helpful suggestions.
10. I graduated with honours in a BFA (History/Theory) and want to undertake a Masters in History overseas. Is this eligible?
You are not eligible. Your Australian study was not studio based – nor is your proposed overseas study.
11. Do I need to enrol in an overseas course before submitting my Samstag application?
No. You only do this AFTER you have been awarded a Samstag Scholarship. (See Guideline 5). But your application will need to identify up to three proposed institutions and programs.
12. I graduated with a photography major and now work in digital media. Is this work competitive?
You must be working in a demonstrably visual arts studio context to be competitive. The selection committee has a generous definition of eligible media, and is less concerned with media per se, than the skill with which it is used and the nature of its achievement as fine art. (See Guideline 4.6).
13. If I'm an Australian citizen living abroad, am I eligible for a Samstag Scholarship?
Yes, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.
14. When will I find out if my application is successful? Will you give me reasons if I'm unsuccessful?
Scholarships are publicly announced by November each year, but unsuccessful applicants are advised before the end of October. Samstag Scholarships are very competitive and awarded at the discretion of the selection committee, which will not discuss or enter into correspondence on issues relating to its decisions.
15. When must I use my Samstag Scholarship, if awarded?
Successful applicants are expected to take up their study during the calendar year following the scholarship offer, or no later than January in the subsequent year.
16. Can I submit different forms of visual documentation?
All visual documentation must be submitted in digital form, and presented on a
DVD and/or CD using a
template downloadable from the amstag website. Documentation such as slides, VHS videos, catalogues and photographic prints (etc) will not be considered by the selection committee.
It is essential to read the Guidelines to determine the appropriate form of presentation. (See Section 7 Visual Documentation Guidelines).
17. Do I have to provide the original version of my academic records and other documentation?
Applicants should NOT send original documentation. Graduation parchments or official academic transcripts should be photocopies only. Birth certificates, passports or other evidence of citizenship or permanent residency should be photocopied.
18. Will the Samstag Program return my documentation?
The Samstag Program does NOT return visual and other supporting documentation of unsuccessful applicants.
Successful applicants’ visual documentation will be retained by the Samstag program for archival, education and publicity purposes.