Project Curator Mentorship 2027 at Helpmann Academy
Organisation: Helpmann Academy, in collaboration with Adelaide University
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Support: AUD $5,000 fee (plus 12% superannuation), mentorship and professional development
Duration: Four months, 1 December 2026–31 March 2027
Application deadline: 27 October 2026, 11:59 pm (Australian Central Daylight Time)
Applications are now open for the Project Curator Mentorship 2027, delivered by Helpmann Academy in collaboration with Adelaide University.
This four-month professional development opportunity is designed for visual artists and emerging curators wanting to develop all areas of their curatorial practice under the expert guidance of an industry mentor.
The successful applicant will step behind the scenes to curate and deliver the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition at SASA Gallery in 2027.
The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition highlights a selection of South Australia’s freshest emerging artists, presenting works by visual arts graduates from Adelaide University and Flinders University.
About the mentorship
The Project Curator Mentorship offers an opportunity to expand a visual arts practice into curating through practical experience and professional guidance.
The selected curator will gain hands-on experience across all areas of exhibition planning, curating and delivery, while working directly with an experienced industry professional.
The opportunity provides:
- A flat fee of AUD $5,000, plus 12% superannuation
- Direct one-to-one mentorship from an experienced industry professional
- Hands-on experience across exhibition planning, curating and delivery
- Connections with key figures across the South Australian visual arts sector
Eligibility
The opportunity is designed for visual artists and emerging curators seeking to develop their curatorial practice.
Graduates and final-year students may apply, provided the proposed activity takes place after their studies have been completed and within the programme’s activity timeframe.
Applicants must meet Helpmann Academy’s eligibility requirements, which should be reviewed before applying.
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse are strongly encouraged to apply.
Programme dates
The mentorship will take place over four months, with activity occurring between 1 December 2026 and 31 March 2027.
During this period, the selected curator will develop and deliver the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition at SASA Gallery.
Previous participants
Crista Bradshaw, a Wangkumara contemporary artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, installation and text, was the Project Curator for the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2026.
Having previously participated in Helpmann Academy programmes as an exhibiting artist, Bradshaw developed her curatorial practice through the mentorship, working with emerging artists and exploring connections between their practices.
Reflecting on the experience, she highlighted the opportunity to develop new curatorial skills, build confidence and establish professional connections that will inform future projects.
Application process
Applications are open until 27 October 2026 at 11:59 pm (ACDT).
Prospective applicants should review Helpmann Academy’s eligibility criteria and application information before submitting their proposals.
The Helpmann Academy Project Curator Programme is presented by Helpmann Academy and Adelaide University.
Image: Crista Bradshaw, Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition 2025. Photo: Sam Roberts. Crista Bradshaw, portrait. Photo: Lana Adams.
