Overview
The Loudon Sainthill Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early-career Australian designers in theatre, ballet, or opera to travel overseas and develop their creative practice. Established in memory of the renowned stage and costume designer Loudon Sainthill, the Fellowship supports designers with at least two years of professional experience who are ready to broaden their artistic perspective through international engagement. Administered by NIDA, the Fellowship encourages bold, curious, and ambitious exploration. It aims to connect Australian designers with global networks, spark fresh inspiration, and support the development of original, world-class design in the live performance industries.
About Loudon Sainthill
Loudon Sainthill (1918–1969) was one of Australia’s most distinctive theatrical designers, celebrated for his rich use of colour, texture, and historical detail. His work spanned major productions in London’s West End, with companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sadler’s Wells Ballet, and the Old Vic. Known for his dramatic visual style, Sainthill collaborated with artists such as Laurence Olivier and Robert Helpmann, bringing a painter’s eye to stage and costume design. Though he spent much of his career in the UK, his influence continues to inspire Australian designers. The Fellowship honours his legacy by supporting adventurous and ambitious design practice abroad., director of the Redfern Gallery, successfully exhibited his paintings. Sainthill was mainly self-educated; his art studies at the Art School of the Melbourne Technical College lasted for a relatively short time.
Key Details
Open To: All Designers (not just NIDA Alumni) who have worked consistently as a designer for theatre, ballet, or opera, for at least 2 years.
Frequency: Annual
Funding: $4,500
Applicants must:
1. Be a resident of Australia
2. Apply as a designer working in theatre, ballet, or opera
3. Have worked consistently and professionally as a designer in theatre, ballet, or opera for a minimum of two years
Application must be submitted online via application form.
Applicants must also upload the following supporting material:
- A current CV (demonstrating at least 2 years of professional experience in the arts)
- A clear statement of use for the fellowship funds
- An estimated cost of the proposal
- Referees are advised to strengthen your application
The Loudon Sainthill Travelling Fellowship is administered by NIDA.
Any questions can be directed to [email protected].
Closing dates
Applications close on Sunday 31st August 2025.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome and the fellowship announced by the end of October.
The panel may recommend the Fellowship not be awarded if, in their opinion, applications do not reach a standard worthy of the Fellowship. The panel’s decision is final.
Payment date
The successful applicant will receive the Fellowship funds prior to the date of departure. The funds must be used within eighteen months of the award of the Fellowship, by March 2027. The successful applicant must seek in writing the panel’s approval for any changes in the proposed use of the Fellowship.
How to apply
Application Form
Submit your application before Sunday 31 August 2025, 11:59pm (AEST).