Placement Program

The Placement Program supports professional development, skills sharing and sector capacity building across NSW museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres. The updated program will focus on mentorships and volunteer placements, delivered with the support of state cultural institutions, partner agencies and Museums & Galleries of NSW investment.

From 2026, International Fellowships will be discontinued, allowing the program to concentrate resources on high‑impact, locally delivered opportunities that strengthen the NSW cultural sector. Artists and cultural practitioners seeking professional and skills development are encouraged to explore the Create NSW Next Steps – Professional Development program.

Mentorship Program

The Mentorship Program provides targeted professional development opportunities for emerging and mid‑level staff working in NSW regional museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres.

It is designed to strengthen skills, confidence and career pathways while fostering knowledge sharing across the NSW museum and gallery sector.

Successful applicants will undertake a placement of up to two weeks at the host organisation, where they will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insight into the operations of a major state cultural institution.

What the mentorship offers

  • Structured, hands‑on learning aligned to the participant’s professional goals
  • Exposure to best‑practice museum and gallery operations
  • Opportunities to build professional networks across the sector
  • Mentorship from experienced staff at a major state cultural institution
Volunteer Placement Program

The Volunteer Placement Program supports volunteers from NSW volunteer‑managed museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres to deepen their skills and knowledge through practical, workplace‑based learning.

This program recognises the vital role volunteers play in sustaining NSW’s cultural heritage and aims to strengthen volunteer‑managed organisations across the state.

Participants will have the opportunity to undertake a placement of one week at Museums of History NSW, gaining access to professional expertise, collections, and resources.

What the placement offers

  • Practical experience working with professional museum staff
  • Exposure to a range of museum functions, processes and resources
  • Skills development that can be applied back in volunteer‑managed organisations
  • Increased confidence and capacity to support local museums and collections

Fellowships, Mentorships and Volunteer Placements

Applications in 2026 will be for placements taking place in 2027.

Further information on eligibility, application processes, key dates and support available will be published closer to program opening.

For more information or to discuss your application, please contact Dale Maxwell-Smith, Training & Engagement Manager
Email: dalem@mgnsw.org.au
Phone number: (02) 5663 2337 (Tue – Fri)