Applications open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships

Applications are now open for The Marten Bequest Scholarships, delivered for the first time by the Australia Council for the Arts in a three-year partnership with Australia’s largest managers and distributors of philanthropic funds, Perpetual. This is one of the largest scholarship offerings by The Marten Bequest since it was first awarded in 1975.

This year, the scholarships total a worth of $600,000 and they will support 12 successful artists across six categories – Music (Instrumental Music and Singing), Dance (Ballet), Visual Arts (Sculpture and Painting), Theatre (Acting), Literature (Poetry and Prose) and Architecture. Selected artists will receive $50,000 to explore and develop their artistic gifts domestically or internationally.

The charitable trust was established from the estate of John Chisholm Marten (1908-1966), a performing artist, author and philanthropist who strongly advocated for greater financial opportunities for young emerging Australian artists to study their craft.

The partnership draws upon the Australia Council’s 50 years of experience delivering arts funding, and will complement Perpetual’s Philanthropic Services business.

Australia Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said the Council has a long and proud history of partnering with philanthropic foundations, corporations and individual donors, co-investing in and raising the profile of Australian arts and artists.

“The Australia Council welcomes this collaboration with Perpetual to manage The Marten Bequest, supporting Australian artists to explore collaboration, build networks and develop their practice,” Grybowski said.

Perpetual’s National Manager of Philanthropy Caitriona Fay commented, “The Marten Bequest has been awarded annually to emerging and promising artists and creators to achieve their full potential and Perpetual is pleased to work in partnership with the Australia Council to continue this support.”

Co-investment is part of the Australia Council’s Strategic Plan and builds on successful international collaborations and external partnerships to support diversity and excellence in the arts.

The Australia Council’s commercial relationship with Perpetual is an example of how its unique position and experience can be leveraged to benefit the sector, and as part of a broader strategy to encourage arts investment from diverse sources.

Applications are now open until Monday, April 10, with the successful artists notified mid-year. Eligibility and criteria for The Marten Bequest can be found on the Australia Council’s website.

Perpetual is the Trustee and has administered The Marten Bequest since 2014. Born in England, Marten moved to Australia when he was young and was well known in the arts sector for his generosity, appreciation and support of the arts. He established The Marten Bequest to assist with the financial cost involved in study and training providing artists with the opportunity to undertake study programs, professional training and mentor programs.

Visit www.australiacouncil.gov.au for more information.