Bursary Amount

$1,500 AUD (one bursary available)

Purpose

This bursary is designed to support a UNIMA Australia member who is based outside of Victoria to attend the Melbourne Festival of Puppetry 2026.

The aim is to increase national access to the festival, foster professional development, and strengthen connections across the Australian puppetry community.

The bursary is intended to contribute towards:

  • Airfares or travel to Melbourne
  • Festival tickets/workshops
  • Accommodation support (with potential assistance from UNIMA Australia in coordinating billeting where possible)

Key Dates

  • Applications close: Friday 10 July 2026, 5:00pm AEST
  • Applicants notified by Friday 17 July 2026
  • Festival dates: 22-27 September 2026 (festival program will be launched in June 2026)
  • Report due: Friday 13 November 2026 (6 weeks after festival)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a current financial member of UNIMA Australia (for at least 2 consecutive years – if you want to check your membership status, please contact our Membership Secretary Katherine at membership@unima.org.au)
  • Be based outside of Victoria (regional Victorian applicants may be considered if travel to Melbourne presents a genuine barrier)
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Not be a presenting artist at the 2026 Melbourne Festival of Puppetry
  • Not be a current UNIMA Australia Executive (President/General Secretary/Treasurer) or Scholarship Committee member

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Written Proposal (see google form)
Include:

  • Why you would like to attend the festival
  • How attending will benefit your puppetry practice and/or career
  • What you hope to learn, explore, or develop
  • How you will share your experience with the broader puppetry community

2. Proposed Festival Itinerary

  • A draft plan of shows, workshops, talks, or events you intend to attend
  • Any artists, companies, or practitioners you are particularly interested in connecting with

3. Budget

  • Estimated costs (travel, tickets, accommodation, etc.)
  • Indication of how the bursary will be used
  • Any additional funding or contributions (if applicable)

4. CV (max. 1 page)

  • Relevant puppetry, theatre, or creative practice experience

5. Supporting Material (optional)

  • Links to website, portfolio, or recent work

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Clarity and strength of proposal
  • Demonstrated benefit to the applicant’s practice
  • Feasibility of the proposed itinerary and budget
  • Potential for knowledge-sharing with the wider community

Recipient Requirements

The successful applicant must:

  • Attend the festival and engage with a range of events
  • Acknowledge UNIMA Australia’s support where appropriate
  • Submit an acquittal report within 6 weeks of the festival (due Friday 13 November 2026)

The report must include:

  • A written reflection (approx. 500 words or more)
  • Summary of shows, workshops, and events attended
  • Key learnings and professional connections made
  • Photos and/or video documentation (where possible)

This report will be shared in the UNIMA Australia newsletter and/or website.

How to Apply

Please complete this Google Form: https://bit.ly/unima-bursary-2026

Want to see all questions before applying? View the application preview here (PDF) 

⚠️ Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by the UNIMA Australia Scholarship committee – Sue Wallace (NSW), Joanne Foley (WA) and Mark Penzak (VIC).

If you have any questions or need support in writing your application, please contact Sue Wallace from the Scholarship Committee at spuppet@ozemail.com.au