Sir James Gobbo Legacy Italian Australian Foundation Fellowship (Australia)

The applicants should be cultural ambassadors for Italy, having established an organisation that either employs staff or has a prominent place in the Australian cultural landscape. The applicants must have existing connections and influence to be able to disseminate knowledge/skills to a large number of people either through policy, media and/or government relationships; or are in a position to promote and elevate Italian culture and skills to the wider community.

Focus Areas

• Those eligible are invited to apply for a fellowship that will support the continued development of a skilled Australia with a focus on one of the following priority areas:
  • Fashion: design, textile, production and creation. This fellowship would include skills acquisition for a 2 – 4 weeks internship at an Italian Fashion House.
  • Art restoration: this fellowship includes a 2 – 4 week internship at a museum, gallery, or an artisan restoration specialist.
  • Italian Art: an artist, curator and/or art historian will travel to Italy for 2-4 weeks for an internship at a museum or gallery, such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Funding Information

• The Italian Australian Foundation and The ISS Institute are offering three Sir James Gobbo Legacy Fellowships in the amount of $10,000.

Program Specifications

• Fellows must use their Fellowship payment to undertake applied international research.
• Overseas Fellowship research may include meeting knowledgeable leaders, conducting interviews, observation, immersion in workplaces, undertaking specialised training or attending specialist conferences.
• Fellows must manage their Fellowship funds personally to arrange their international activities.
• Fellows must prepare a formal Fellowship Report documenting findings and recommendations for industry/skill enhancement in Australia within 12 months of receiving their Fellowship. ISS Institute will assist with the editing, design and publication of this Fellowship Report.
• Fellows participate in a Fellowship Induction Program and are proudly supported by ISS Institute staff throughout the Fellowship period (and beyond).
• Fellows must arrange for time off work with their employer to undertake the overseas applied research component of their Fellowship. While the Fellowship is being awarded to the individual and not their employer, it is important that the employer supports the individual’s application and will enable to individual to meet Fellowship obligations.
• Fellows will be supported throughout their Fellowship by the ISS Institute team.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications are open to Australian residents of Italian descent. Candidates must travel to Italy as part of their Fellowship. Non-Italian descendants are eligible to apply, although preference will be given to Italian Australians.
• Australian residents with permanent residency or citizenship over the age of 18 years.
• Applicants can be located anywhere in Australia.

Selection Criteria

• Each submission will be evaluated by senior Italian Australian Foundation representatives and ISS Institute team members, who may draw upon specialist experts when evaluating applications.
• Short-listed applicants are then interviewed by a Selection Panel, made up of Italian Australian Foundation representatives and ISS Institute team members.
• Interviews may be conducted by video-conference.

Application Requirements

• To apply for this Fellowship you are required to:
  • Complete the Application Form
  • Provide a current Curriculum Vitae (resume)
  • Provide 1 x letter of support which indicates that your Fellowship field is relevant and will benefit the industry (eg. peak industry bodies, government agencies, professional associations, community organisation)
  • Provide 1 x Employer Endorsement Letter (unless you are self-employed) indicating that you will be supported to meet the obligations associated with this Fellowship (this letter should be from your CEO, Director or Manager).

For more information, visit ISS Institute.