We are pleased to announce the recipients of the recent round of the Fellowship, Mentorship, and Volunteer Placement Program. This program provides valuable professional development opportunities for museum and gallery staff and volunteers throughout New South Wales.
The Fellowships support senior professionals in undertaking a two-week placement with an international institution. The Mentorships are geared towards early to mid-career staff, offering them the chance to work with an Australian host organisation. Additionally, the Volunteer Placements allow individuals from small or volunteer-run museums to gain experience within a cultural institution in Australia.
The Fellowship, Mentorship and Volunteer Placement Program is a Create NSW devolved funding program, administered by Museums & Galleries of NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.
Fellowship Program (up to $7,500 per placement)
The Fellowship program is a professional development program to develop skills and cultivate networks through access to the expertise and resources of national and international cultural organisations.
Courtney Wagner, Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, hosted by the Manchester Museum
Mentorship Program (up $3,500 per placement)
A professional development program to develop skills and cultivate networks through access to the expertise and resources of larger or specialised organisations.
Justine Topfer, Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance & Inclusion (MOTTI), hosted by the National Portrait Gallery
Melinda Gill, Tamworth Regional Council, hosted by the Powerhouse
Rufus Brash, Newcastle Museum, hosted by the Powerhouse
Tulleah Pearce, Newcastle Gallery, hosted by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Volunteer Placement Program (Up to $3,500 per placement)
The Volunteer Placement Program is a professional development program for volunteer staff of volunteer managed/small organisations to develop skills that meet a need within their museum or gallery and that they can share with their colleagues.
Anthony Kornacki, Penrith RSL sub-branch Museum, hosted by the ANZAC Memorial, Sydney
Gregory Bork, Aquarius Archives, hosted by the Museums of History NSW
Melissa Lovelock, Calala Cottage, Tamworth Historical Society, hosted by the Museums of History NSW
In 2026, Mentorships and Volunteer Placements will be delivered with the support of state cultural institutions, other agencies and M&G NSW investment. International Fellowships will be discontinued.
