Applications Open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships

Applcations are now open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships, which offer talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either interstate and/or overseas.

The scholarships provide financial support under the categories acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing to help talented Australian artists achieve their dreams. 

John Chisholm Marten (1908 - 1966) was born in Kent, England and moved to Australia at a young age, residing in Sydney for his adult life. John Marten was a theatrical artist and well known for his appreciation and support of the arts community.

John was actively involved in many different art forms. He was trained in Spanish dancing and served in the merchant navy during the war. John also co-authored The Bali Ballet Murders with Cornelius Conyn, which was published in Australia, London and also translated into Dutch and published in the Netherlands. (This novel can be found at the Mitchell Library A823/C768/IAI)

A strong advocate for the artistic capabilities of young Australians, John understood the costs involved in study and training programs and established The Marten Bequest through a charitable trust.

The scholarships are administered by the Australia Council on behalf of Perpetual as trustee.

A list of previous recipients is available here.

Who can apply

Individual artists who are:

· Australia citizens

· aged 21 - 35 (17 - 35 for ballet) at the closing date may submit proposals.

What you can apply for

The scholarships are awarded annually to candidates who show great promise in the arts and literature, with nine scholarship disciplines available:

· Acting

· Architecture

· Ballet

· Instrumental music

· Painting

· Poetry

· Prose

· Sculpture

· Singing.

Scholarship funds can be used to assist with study programs, professional training courses and/or mentor programs in Australia and/or overseas.

Applications close: Tuesday 2 February 2021 3pm AEDT (or earlier if application limit is met)

Amount: $50,000

Notification: Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2021.

Please note: Perpetual will only accept a limited number of scholarship proposals annually. Once this limit is met, no further proposals can be submitted.

For more details, and to apply - https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/funding/funding-index/the-marten-bequest-scholarships/

Image: Oliver Mol, recipient of a Marten Bequest Scholarship in 2020. Read about Oliver's experience at ArtsHub.