Connecting the dots between creativity and business, our Creative Innovator Program is a transformative business incubator designed to turn your creative ideas into reality.
NOTE: If you experience any difficulties uploading your application form and attachments please email direct to info@helpmannacedemy.com.au
KEY DATES
Applications open on Wednesday 17 December 2025
Online Information Session on Tuesday 20 January 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Applications close on Monday 23 February 2026 at 11:59pm ACST
For activity occurring between April and October 2026
WHO CAN APPLY
Applications are invited from graduates of supported degrees from our partner institutions – Flinders University and Adelaide University (formerly University of South Australia or University of Adelaide) – up to seven years from graduation.
Honours students and graduates (up to seven years following the final year of study) are also eligible to apply, provided honours study was undertaken directly following their undergraduate degree.
Masters and PhD graduates and candidates are not eligible to apply unless they still qualify through their undergraduate or honours degree.
To check your eligibility, please visit the Who We Support page on our website.
Applicants with an overdue acquittal will be considered ineligible for this opportunity.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Following the online information session, you can book a chat in person or online with Helpmann Academy Program Manager, Toni Wills to discuss your application prior to submission. Book your chat HERE.
There are a number of other resources to help you make a strong application.
For some general information about applying, watch our FAQs here and read our Grant Writing tip sheet here!
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
If selected, you will be required to:
- Attend a program of workshops in person
- Monthly group check ins online on the last Tuesday of each month
- Attend all practice and final pitch sessions
- Attend the Finale Event & Awards Presentation
Workshops are generally held on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.
A full calendar of times and dates will be announced in 2026.
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
The Creative Innovator program is delivered over a six month period to give you the guidance and information needed to set you up for success.
To get the most out of the Creative Innovator program, your active participation, cooperation and collaboration is vital.
If successful, you will be asked to sign an agreement with Helpmann Academy. This agreement will set out all expectations and requirements of the program.
Participants must be able to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled sessions to be eligible for the seed funding on offer.
Should participants be unable to commit to or continue their commitment to the program, they must notify Helpmann Academy immediately.
MENTORING
Each participant will be allocated a creative mentor (6 hours) and a business advisor for the program.
Bookings with these mentors are arranged by you based on mutual availability.
It is expected that you will attend all meetings scheduled with business advisors and mentors.
If you are unable to attend, at least 24 hours’ notice must be provided.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and supporting materials must be submitted via the Helpmann Academy application form.
If you need to submit through alternative means, e.g. video submission, please get in touch with our team info@helpmannacademy.com.au or 0479 114 073 to discuss arrangements.
Support or questions are available until 5pm ACST on Monday 23 February 2026.
Applicants are required to respond to all questions in the application form.
The following support materials are required:
- Artist CV – maximum two pages. If you are applying with other members of a collective, artist CVs for all members must be included.
- Official academic transcript – this must be an official transcript which shows your final year of study. If you are applying with other members of a collective, transcripts for all members must be included.
- Images and/or audio-visual examples of your work
Additional support material may be submitted and can include letters of support, reviews, press coverage of past works or exhibitions, or showreels.
ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION
Successful applicants will have a clearly articulated idea for their creative enterprise and demonstrate how undertaking this program will expand their career development and creative practice.
A panel facilitated by Helpmann Academy will assess applications based on:
- Artistic merit of previous work
- Artistic merit of proposed idea, product or service
- Impact of proposed activity on career development and/or creative practice
- Feasibility of proposed activity as a sustainable entreprise
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.
The opportunity will be awarded based on the information supplied in the application and/or interview, if required.
All panel decisions are final, but applicants are welcome to request feedback on their application following the outcome.
GET IN TOUCH
Interested applicants are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application. Book a chat with our Program Manager, Toni Wills here, or contact the team via info@helpmannacademy.com.au / 0479 114 073.
Helpmann Academy Creative Innovator Program is supported by the South Australian Government through CreateSA, K&S Langley Family, and Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisors, with special thanks to Square Holes and Andrew Leunig.