Announcing the 2026 Adelaide University and the SIDA Foundation and David Roche Gallery Research Fellowship
Adelaide University (AU) announces its 2026 Society of Interior Designers of Australia (SIDA) Foundation and David Roche Gallery (DRG) Research Fellowship.
Images: (L-R) David Roche Gallery, Red entrance Fermoy House, courtesy of David Roche Gallery.
Doppelgänger and Zombies (2022) Rochus Urban Hinkel. Photo by Sam Roberts.
Graphic Heritage of Sands & McDougall façade, Central Market signage, David Roche Ribbons. Photos by Robert Harland.
Open to researchers and practitioners across all disciplines, the 2026 Fellowship invites applications (individual or group) that seek to shape the future of design and creative arts research.
Fellowship purpose and project overview
AU and DRG welcome fellowship project proposals that engage with DRG collection and vision, reflect the legacy of the SIDA Foundation, and make use of AU College of Creative Arts, Humanities and Design resources and research expertise. The Fellowship is focused on interior design and decorative arts, but proposals may come from adjacent disciplines, including broader fields of design, art, craft or material culture.
Proposed engagement could include traditional scholarship; design, art, craft or curatorial activities resulting in exhibition; public talks and workshops; or other activities leading to publications and/or creative works. Collaboration with UniSA Creative researchers is encouraged.
DRG operates exhibition space at Fermoy House on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, including the Roman Room. Depending on the requirements and timing of the project proposal, exhibition space may be available to the successful applicant(s).
Fellowship funding
A stipend of $28,000 will be provided to undertake the research, paid in three instalments. The proposed project should begin no later than 1 March 2026, with all project costs and deliverables, including 3 page report, completed by 30th June 2027.
Who can apply
The Research Fellow will be appointed through competitive application. Applications are open to practitioners or researchers from all levels of experience and career. Applications that develop collaborations with College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities researchers and propose co-produced outcomes will be considered favourably. Adelaide University welcomes both national and international applications; estimated travel costs should be included in the anticipated budget.
Applications close 31st October 2025