Katie Lees Fellowship Application Guidelines

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The Katie Lees Fellowship (the Fellowship), offered by the Katie Lees Foundation (the Foundation), supports emerging female-identifying artists in theatre. This Fellowship seeks to amplify innovative and ambitious projects that inspire new narratives in the performing arts. 

These guidelines outline eligibility, submission requirements, and the application process.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for the Katie Lees Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age & Gender: Applicants must be female-identifying and aged 34 years or younger at the time of application.

2. Residency: Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

3. Demonstrated Experience: Applicants must be performance artists or performance arts workers with demonstrated commitment to their artistic practice. This includes individuals with prior experience in theatre, writing, directing, producing, and/or other performing arts roles.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will provide the following details and attachments when submitting an application for the Katie Lees Fellowship:

1. Personal Information: Full name, contact details, and Applicant’s’ creative biography (max 200 words).

2. Project Proposal: A detailed description of your proposed project including:

• Working project title 
• Descriptive summary of the project or idea
• Stage of development
• Artistic goals and intended outcomes
• Project alignment with the Fellowship’s values.

3. Support Documents & Attachments:

• Headshot
• CV/Resume (max 2 pages).
• Up to two examples of work (e.g., script excerpts, video links, or portfolio items).

Applicants confirm availability and attendance to Pitch Night:

By applying for the Katie Lees Fellowship, applicants confirm they are available to attend, in person, the Katie Lees Fellowship Pitch Night on Tuesday 11 March 2025, at 6:00 pm, at Flightpath Theatre, Marrickville, NSW. If you are not able to meet this commitment, please contact the committee via email: admin@katieleesfoundation.com.au 

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Online Submission: Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal by 17 February 2025, 5:00 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

2. Application Review:

• The Fellowship Committee will review applications against the eligibility and selection criteria.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in the Shortlist Pitch Night to present their project/idea and discuss their work in more detail.

3. Pitch Night: Shortlisted applicants will present their work to the Fellowship Committee at Flightpath Theatre, Marrickville NSW on 11 March 2025, 6:00 PM.

4. Final Decision: The Fellowship recipient will be announced by 30 March 2025. Please note, the committee’s decision will be final.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Creativity: The Fellowship seeks applications from individuals whose work demonstrates originality, innovation, and a distinct artistic voice. Applicants should present a new idea that shows creative ambition and vision.

2. Relevance to Theatre: Projects that align with the medium of theatre, whether through traditional or experimental approaches.

3. Impact: The potential to inspire new perspectives and contribute to a broader conversation that asks audiences to think differently.

4. Artistic and Personal Resonance: Applicants should provide insight into why they believe their work would resonate with Katie’s legacy. Consider how your idea or artistic approach is a reflection on Katie's life philosophy and themes of equality, compassion, creativity, exploration and fun.

5. Support for Women in the Arts: A commitment to uplifting and celebrating the voices of women in theatre.

EXPECTATIONS OF RECIPIENT/S

The Fellowship recipient will:

Commit to the Fellowship’s deliverables, timeline, and responsibilities, as outlined in the Katie Lees Fellowship Recipient Guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Attend and participate in key events, including the Shortlist Pitch Night and Katie Lees Fellowship Annual Showcase event and Preview Night (if applicable).
• Acknowledge the Foundation and Fellowship in all project-related materials and activities.
• Provide regular updates to the Foundation and adhere to reporting and financial requirements.

KEY DATES

• Applications Close 17 February 2025 5:00 PM
• Committee Review Period: 18–28 February 2025
• Shortlist Announced by 5 March 2025
• Shortlist Pitch Night 11 March 2025 6:00 PM
• Recipient Announced by 30 March 2025
• Fellowship Period 1 April – 30 November 2025
• 2025 Preview Night between 2 – 8 November 2025 (if applicable).
• 2025 Showcase Event by 8 November 2025

TIPS FOR A STRONG APPLICATION

• Be Authentic: Let your artistic voice shine and clearly articulate your passion for the project.
• Demonstrate Impact: Highlight how the Fellowship will impact your creative development and career path.
• Provide Strong Evidence: Choose work samples that showcase your experience, artistic abilities and creativity.
• Reflect Katie’s Values: The applicant embraces Katie's philosophy and themes of equality, compassion, creativity, exploration and fun.