Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got a question about the Program Callout? Find answers here.
A shrine for all you gave me, Jasmine Miikika Craciun, 2024. Photo: Jessica Maurer.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Read the guidelines or watch our videos to learn more about the program you are applying for.
Prepare your proposal with support material requested as a single PDF, and submit via our online forms.
Do you accept mailed or hardcopy applications?
No. Firstdraft is unable to process hardcopy applications. If you need support applying, or would like to ask for an alternative way to submit your application, please email info@firstdraft.org.au or call us on +61 2 8970 2999 by 5 pm Friday 17th July
When do applications close?
Applications for the Exhibitions and Curator Program, ARI in residence program will open and close Wednesday 22 July 11:59 pm
How long will it take before I find out if my application was successful?
Firstdraft often receives hundreds of applications. We do everything we can to reply to all applicants in a timely manner. Applicants typically find out within a month of submissions closing; however, this may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
What about the Firstdraft writers program, micro commission or screen program callouts?
Firstdraft callouts are staggered throughout the year, based on our available funding, resources and organisational capacity. We aren’t able to deliver every program every year, but we will always present an exhibition program.
If the program you are interested in is not advertised on our website, we are not currently accepting applications for it.
Stay connected with us to see when your favourite callout is live
What do I receive if my application is successful?
Depending on the program through which you apply, you’ll receive;
a presentation or publication opportunity,
fees,
production assistance
marketing and communications support
professional photographic documentation of your exhibition
public engagement through programs and events.
Proposals
Can I apply with my friends or a group of artists?
Yes! You can apply as a group – just pick one main contact to complete and submit the application form. Curators are encouraged to apply through the Curators Program.
This year, Firstdraft is offering an ARI in residence program; if you and your friends have developed and delivered multiple projects together over the last few years, you can apply to this program stream.
Can I apply for multiple programs? e.g. Can I submit an application for the Exhibition Program and the Curators Program?
You can apply for multiple programs; however, you will be required to submit a separate application form for each program in which you are applying.
Applicants should also note that, if successful, they will only be awarded in one program.
Can I submit multiple applications with different ideas?
We encourage you to focus on one idea. Sometimes multiple applications appear as duplicates in our system, and they may be removed to avoid confusion.
We understand that ideas evolve and change over time. If you are successful, you can discuss how your project or work has developed if you would like to take it in a different direction.
Can I exhibit in ALL four galleries?
Successful artists are only allocated one exhibition space. You can choose your preferred space to exhibit in, or indicate that any of our galleries would be appropriate for your work.
We do not accept proposals that use all four galleries.
I don’t live in Sydney – can I apply?
Yes! Firstdraft can support regionally based and interstate artists with a Travel Bursary up to $1,000, depending on your residential address.
What is an artist CV? And why does Firstdraft want to see one?
An artist CV is not the same as your resume. It includes relevant education information, exhibitions you have participated in, residencies, grants and awards associated with your arts practice
Your CV helps us understand where you are in your career and gives us an idea of how your proposed project will benefit you right now.
Should I share my social media?
Only include your social media accounts if they are relevant to your application, such as photo or video documentation of exhibitions, work in progress, or images of your work. We do not look at your social media account subscriber numbers.
We will not ask for access to view your account if it is private or password-protected.
Firstdraft doesn’t need to see personal social media accounts with pictures of your family and friends.
Why does Firstdraft ask for new work in the application?
Firstdraft wants to support projects that are in development and have not yet been shown. Our program is best suited for exhibitions that artists feel are significant keystone projects. If you would like to exhibit existing work, your application must significantly transform the work from previous presentations.
If the work isn’t made yet, what pictures do I include?
We would love to see images of previous projects you have worked on, documentation of other exhibitions, and examples of finished work that may be indicative of what you are proposing. You are welcome to share images of works in progress if it supports your application.
If the exhibition you are proposing is a departure from your previous work, you can let us know in your application.
Application Assessment
Who assesses my application?
A programming committee consisting of Firstdraft Staff, Artistic Advisory Committee and cultural advisor/s reads all applications individually before discussing them collectively. They are artists, writers, curators and arts professionals with experience across multiple contexts and disciplines.
How do you make your decisions?
Firstdraft assesses applications against several different criteria, including:
Artistic Merit/Quality of proposal submitted
Understanding of their chosen medium/ canon/ context they are practising in
Perceived Benefit to the artist/Opportunity for the artist
Timeliness/urgency
Alignment with Firstdraft’s values / priorities
Firstdraft Values: We care about artists and prioritise curiosity, collaboration, openness and empathy. We’re working with and for diverse communities to deliver meaningful programs, support innovation in contemporary art and promote principles of accessibility and inclusivity within the sector.
What is Firstdraft’s policy on AI?
We strongly encourage you to use your own voice rather than generative AI in your application. Firstdraft advises artists to make informed decisions about their use of Artificial Intelligence in the preparation of applications and any use in the creation of artwork.
Your application may be judged based on its use or perceived use of AI. We understand that some practices engage critically with new technologies. If your submission contains AI, we ask that you disclose how it is specifically used in your application or artwork creation.
Firstdraft has worked with artists in the past who have engaged critically with artificial intelligence. For example: Daniel Sherington’s Some portraits, 2025, in Break-Even Point, used AI as a tool in the development of the work.
Resources:
https://www.copyright.org.au/browse/book/Australian-Copyright-Council-Artificial-Intelligence-&-Copyright-INFO142/
Application Support
Is there someone I can talk to about my application?
Email info@firstdraft.org.au with any questions, alternatively, call us on +61 2 8970 2999, by 5pm Friday 17th July.
or drop in for a chat any time from 11am – 8pm Wednesday, Thursday–Saturday 11am - 5pm.
I need support with the application process – can you help?
Firstdraft can help with some things, but we will not review applications before submission and cannot help answer application questions on your behalf.
We can help clarify and explain questions in the form
Provide a simplified form
Provide adjustments to the application process if you have a disability, including providing alternative pathways
We have extensive guidelines and FAQs that may have already answered your question but if you are unsure you can reach us via info@firstdraft.org.au or call us on +61 2 8970 2999 by 5pm Friday 17th July
Note: we allow for audio/video proposals to be included in your application.
I am having trouble with the online form – can you help?
We suggest preparing your application prior to filling in the form. Due to the volume of extensions, we do not offer extensions.
You should receive an e-mail confirming the submission of your application. If you have not received confirmation, you may have entered the wrong e-mail address, or it may have gone into your spam folder.
If you are experiencing technical issues with the online form, please email info@firstdraft.org.au or call us on +61 2 8970 2999 by 5pm Friday 17th July 2026
If you contact us on the day applications close, we may be unable to resolve your technical problems.
Do you accept late applications?
Firstdraft is unable to accept applications after the closing time.
While we have made every effort to make our application process as simple and accessible as possible, we encourage you to allow for any technical difficulties or system errors that might occur.
If you miss this deadline, don’t worry; we have a callout every year and other opportunities throughout the year; we encourage you to apply to our next callout.
If you require additional support with your application, please contact us in advance of the application deadline.
General
How do you define early-career?
A practitioner – e.g. an artist, curator or writer – of any age who fulfils at least one of the following;
May not have an extensive exhibiting history,
May have been practising professionally for 5 - 10 years or less
Is currently studying or has completed tertiary qualifications in their field less than 5 - 10 years ago
May have taken a break and returned to their practice
Has not won any major prizes or been a part of significant projects in state/national institutions
Is not currently represented by a commercial gallery
We recognise that the pathways to becoming an established artist are different for everyone. We use a flexible definition and rely on artists to self-identify as early-career (or emerging if that is their preferred terminology).
How can I see the spaces?
You can take a virtual tour of the spaces here.
View the images of the spaces here.
Download floor plans of the spaces here.
or visit us in person any time from 11am – 8pm Wednesday, Thursday-Saturday 11am - 5pm!
Will Firstdraft assist me during installation?
Artists and curators are responsible for installing their own exhibitions. Before the exhibition, we offer support to artists and curators by discussing their requirements for accessibility, assistance, transport and freight, lighting and wall painting, suspended elements, and audio/visual equipment loan. However, it's important to note that Firstdraft has limited equipment and resources, so our support during the installation and deinstallation process is also limited.
Your proposed exhibition will need to be installed within 4 days;
works cannot cause irreparable damage to our building, i.e. drilling into cement floors, or removing fixtures;
a risk assessment will need to be undertaken where the work impacts the environment for Firstdraft staff or visitors in a significant way or introduces materials that may be hazardous.
What changes can I make to the gallery space during install?
After your exhibition, you must be able to return the gallery to its original state for the next artist in the space.
Previous exhibiting artists have made the following changes to our spaces:
Painted the gallery walls different colours at their own expense
Purchased and installed their own lights, or used coloured lighting gels (Firstdraft does not have spotlights)
Placed carpet or fake grass securely on the floor
Installed fountains or water features