Gertrude is now accepting applications for the Dedicated First Nations Studio as part of the Gertrude Studio Program 2026 intake.
Respected nationally and internationally, Gertrude’s Studio Program supports outstanding artists at pivotal moments in their careers, and has been at the core of the organisation since its founding more than four decades ago.
The Gertrude Studio Program sits at the heart of our organisation in our primary premises in Preston South. The highly competitive application–based program supports 16 artists for a two–year period, with 8 artists invited to join the program each year.
Dedicated First Nations Studio
Each year, Gertrude offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist. The fully-subsidised studio opportunity is open to First Nations peoples across the continent now known as Australia.
Applications for the fully subsidised studio will be assessed and determined by a panel of First Nations representatives. At any given time there are at least two First Nations artists in the Gertrude Studio Program.
Gertrude encourages applications from First Nations artists, as well as people living at the intersections of cultural, linguistic, gender-diverse and d/Deaf or disabled experiences. Gertrude is committed to providing a culturally safe space and respectful workplace in dialogue with all staff and participating artists.
Gertrude is committed to supporting artists at key moments in the development of their practice, to represent an inter–generational selection of artists, and to support a diverse range of artistic practices. The selection of artists is by a competitive application process led by two advisory committees:
– Applicants for the dedicated First Nations, fully-subsidised studio opportunity are assessed and determined by a panel of First Nations artist and arts worker representatives led by Gertrude Board members Yhonnie Scarce (Kokatha and Nukunu peoples, South Australia), Tristen Harwood (Ngalakgan), and Gertrude's First Nations Advisory Group.
– Applications for the Gertrude Studio Program are considered by an advisory committee composed of Gertrude staff, a current Gertrude Studio Artist, a former Gertrude Studio Artist and an external curator or arts professional.
Gertrude is strongly committed to cultural diversity and cultural safety in all aspects of our program and operations. For applicants who wish to read more about how we are demonstrating this, please read our First Peoples Cultural Competency and Cultural Safety Framework.
Gertrude encourages collegiate participation in the community the organisation fosters and discourages anti-social behaviours. Bullying and harassment of staff or artists is not tolerated at Gertrude.
Apply for the Dedicated First Nations Studio
To apply for the Dedicated First Nations Studio opportunity, please refer to the Gertrude Studio Program application guidelines and complete the application form.
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Monday 27 October 2025.
Enquiries
Please address all enquiries to apply@gertrude.org.au.