The Sir William Dobell Art Foundation was formed in 1971 in memory of the Archibald prize-winning Australian artist Sir William Dobell (1899-1970), who was known for his landscapes and portrait paintings. The Foundation established the Sir William Dobell Chair of Art History at ANU, which it has continued to support for 30 years. This position has helped the College of Arts and Social Sciences support a teacher and researcher and strengthened the university's position as a leader in art history and curatorial studies.

For more information about the Sir William Dobell Foundation, click here.

Previous Chairs of the Sir William Dobell Chair of Art History

Emeritus Professor Chris McAuliffe

Emeritus Professor Helen Ennis

Emeritus Professor Sasha Grishin

Emeritus Professor Michael Greenhalgh

Call for Applications - ANU Centre for Art History and Art Theory Sir William Dobell Visiting Fellowship Program for 2027

Overview:

Each year the Centre for Art History and Art Theory in the College of Arts and Social Science may offer up to four fellowship positions known as the Sir William Dobell Visiting Fellow for the Centre for Art History and Art Theory.

The objective of the Sir William Dobell Visiting Fellows scheme is to offer valuable opportunities to art historians and curators, with preference given to early career researchers, and those from diverse cultural and socio-economic groups while also providing ANU staff and students access to accomplished art historians, curators, and museum professionals, fostering potential for international research collaboration. The scheme aims to be adaptable and responsive to globally resonant and culturally critical in the field.

Funding for the fellowships has been provided by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation.

Applications for the 2027 Visiting Fellowship Program close on 16 August 2026.

Value and Benefits:

Each Visiting Fellow will be provided with:

AUD$5,000 (domestic-based) and AUD$7,500 (international-based) maximum allowance in costs towards economy-class travel and accommodation in Canberra;
Up to $2,500 in research-related expenses, including living costs.
An ANU office space with computer and printing facilities;
ANU Library borrowing privileges;
Access to ANU facilities and events.

Eligibility:

The award is available each year to a recipient/s who:

Is a national or international Art Historian or Curator;
Can demonstrate an active career in the practice and/or study of art history, art theory or curatorial practice;
Has the ability to travel to, and work in Australia for a period of up to 3 months.

Number of Fellows:

Up to four Fellowships will be awarded for the Fellowship period.  The selection committee reserves the right to vary this as needed, if funding allows.

Selection Criteria:

Selection is based on a candidate’s ability to make an impact through innovative research in the fields of art history and curatorial studies/practice.  

Other factors may also be taken into account, including, but not limited to, publication track record (both traditional and non-traditional research outputs) and demonstrated excellence in research collaboration. 

Preference may be given to scholars and curators from First Nations peoples and other underrepresented communities.

To ensure our vision is realised, all awards, programs, and initiatives must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and work to dismantle any barriers that prevent full participation and representation in art history, theory, and curatorial practice. 

The Centre for Art History and Art Theory reserves the right to make no award if it considers there is no applicant of sufficient merit.  The Centre may also vary the number of prizes if multiple recipients are identified. 

Conditions: 

The duration of the Fellowship is a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. 
Fellows are expected to be based full-time at ANU for the duration of the Fellowship. 
It is the Fellow’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct visa and travel insurance required for their stay. 
Fellows are responsible for securing the approval of their institution to undertake the Fellowship. 
Fellowships must be commenced within the period nominated by the Fellow, and approved by the selection committee, unless otherwise approved. 
Fellows will be required to present a paper in the Sir William Dobell Art History and Curatorial Studies Seminar Series in the Centre for Art History and Art Theory, and to give a maximum of two hours of guest lectures into the School of Art and Design
The Fellows must cite ANU Centre for Art History and Art Theory on any publications or ERA eligible research outputs related to research undertaken during the fellowship and provide documentation of these for data collection purposes.