Awards

To support emerging artists in South Australia, the Helpmann Academy works with numerous local organisations to present the following awards:

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Award
Valued at $5,000, the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Award is presented to a top graduate from one of the Helpmann Academy's partner schools at the annual Maestros & Apprentices black tie dinner.

Hill Smith Gallery/Friends of the Helpmann Academy Award
Valued at $4,000, this is awarded at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition and is open to all visual artists exhibiting in the show. The prize provides travel and expenses for international professional development, and is supported by the Hill Smith Gallery.

City of Adelaide Award
Valued at $3,000, this award is for an artist to hold a solo exhibition in the centre of Adelaide. It is awarded at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition and is open to all visual artists exhibiting in the show. Supported by the Adelaide City Council.

The Raffen Prize
The $3,000 Raffen Prize is an acquisitive award, selected from the exhibitors at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition. The chosen work becomes part of a significant private collection.

Adelaide Art Society Award
The $1,000 Adelaide Art Society Award is presented at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, to an exhibiting artist working in the medium of drawing or painting.

Adelaide City Council Foundation Front Prize
Valued at $1,000 and sponsored by the Adelaide City Council, this is awarded to a performer during the Foundation Front/SALA Festival event.

Bond Aboriginal Art Award
The Bond Aboriginal Art Award is available to outstanding Indigenous artists graduating from Helpmann Academy partner schools.

Fisher Jeffries Christmas Card Commission
Valued at $2,000, the Fisher Jeffries Commission is open to students at the South Australian School of Art (UniSA) to design the company's corporate Christmas card.

Jazz Awards
Totalling $6,500, a range of prizes are offered to the state’s top jazz graduates and undergraduates of the Elder School of Music at the University of Adelaide. The awards are sponsored by various private and public sector organizations, including the Hyatt Regency and the Adelaide City Council.

Keith Michell Award
Open to first year out performing arts students, this $2,000 annual award is jointly sponsored by the Helpmann Academy and the Southern Theatre & Arts Supporters (STARS).

To apply for the 2009 Keith Michell Award, download the application form here.

Minter Ellison Rising Star Awards
Valued at $1,000 each, these awards are presented to four top female performing arts graduates. The awards are supported by the Minter Ellison Womens' Network.

Neil Curnow Award

Valued at $7,000-$10,000, this award is open to performing arts graduates from Flinders University Drama Centre and Adelaide Centre for the Arts (TafeSA). The award is made possible through the generous bequest of the late Neil Curnow and allows the recipient to undertake further study interstate or overseas. The award is administered by the Independent Arts Foundation.

To apply for the 2010 Neil Curnow Award, download the application form here.