Apply for $3,000 to realise your next project, level up a skill or develop a new idea!
Helpmann Academy Development Grants support eligible emerging creatives with grants of up to $3,000 to kickstart new projects, research and develop new works, fund a mentorship or build skills to further your creative practice.
Funding is designed to support projects over six-months, and can include:
- The creation or realisation of new work or projects
- Research and development of new ideas
- Development of new skills in creative practice
- A creative or business mentorship
- Participation in professional development programs
Whether you’re pushing the boundaries of your current medium or exploring new creative directions, this grant is designed to back your growth and your future.
KEY DATES
Applications open on Friday 1 May 2026 at 12 noon ACST
Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026 at 11:59pm ACST
For activity occurring between 1 July 2026 – 31 December 2026
BRYAN MAY’S DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 2025 STORY
Bryan is a University of South Australia* graduate with a strong interdisciplinary glass practice, using sculptural techniques to explore personal and cultural narratives. With the support of the Helpmann Academy’s Development Grants 2025, he attended Pilchuck Glass School’s ‘Reimagining Personal Histories in Glass’ program in Washington State, where he trained under Seattle-based sculptor Manolo Aguilera.
Through solid and hollow sculpting, torch and bench techniques, and advanced colour layering, Bryan transformed his ideas into refined material outcomes while engaging in a bilingual, culturally rich learning environment. The experience extended far beyond technical development. It strengthened Bryan’s confidence in his creative voice, opened new directions for future work, and revealed his ability to guide others, even mentoring a peer new to glass. Through this process, he deepened both his practice and his sense of place within an international creative community.
“My time at Pilchuck was transformative, not only in advancing my technical skills but also in strengthening my confidence as an artist. The mentorship, cultural exchange, and opportunity to translate personal narratives into glass opened new creative pathways for my practice. I am especially grateful to the Helpmann Academy, whose support made this experience possible and ensured I could fully focus on my development. Their backing has been invaluable in expanding both my skills and vision for future work.”
Bryan May, Development Grants 2025 recipient.
MORE INFORMATION
- Graduates and final year students can apply, provided activity takes place after studies have been completed and within the activity timeframe.
- Check your eligibility here
- Read our Information for applicants page
- Get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application by booking an online or in-person chat with our Program Manager, Toni Wills HERE or contact the Helpmann Academy team via info@helpmannacademy.com.au / 0479 114 073
Development Grants are made possible through the generosity of John Phillips and the Government of South Australia through CreateSA.
Images: Bryan May, Development Grants 2025 recipient. Images supplied by the artist.
*We refer to the University of South Australia on this webpage. This is one of two universities (University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide) which have now combined strengths to form the new Adelaide University in January 2026.