As a commitment to nurturing artists we provide a number of fellowships and residencies.

The Balnaves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Fellowship at Belvoir St Theatre is open to playwrights to write a new play, and to directors or writer/directors that can lead the creation of a First Nations-led stage work, whether that be a new play, an adaptation or through a devised process. It also includes an invitation to have a voice in Belvoir’s artistic decision-making processes.

Belvoir St Theatre proudly acknowledges The Balnaves Foundation, our Principal Partner for First Nations Theatre, for its long-standing and transformative support of our work. Through programs like this, the Foundation enables Belvoir to support the next generation of First Nations theatre makers and actively build a lasting pipeline for First Nations theatre on our stages.

From its origins as The Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright Award, this Fellowship is recognised as one of the most prestigious theatre awards in Australia, attracting entrants of the highest calibre. Past winners include 2025/26 Fellow Hannah Belanszky who will work alongside Hunt, as well as Guy Simon (2023), Dalara Williams (2022), Thomas Weatherall (2021), Jorjia Gillis (2020), Nathan Maynard (2019), Kodie Bedford (2018) and Megan Wilding (2017), just to name a few. All past Fellows have created exceptional works that consistently affirm the depth of talent amongst our nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre-makers, whilst bringing extraordinary works to the Belvoir stage.

BIANCA HUNT

2026/27 BALNAVES FOUNDATION FELLOW

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HANNAH BELANSZKY

2025/26 BALNAVES FOUNDATION FELLOW

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RECIPIENTS

2026 – Bianca Hunt
2025 – Hannah Belanszky
2023 – Guy Simon
2022 – Dalara Williams
2021 – Thomas Weatherall
2020 – Jorjia Gillis
2019 – Nathan Maynard
2018 – Kodie Bedford
2017 – Megan Wilding
2016 – Ursula Yovich
2015 – Katie Beckett
2014 – Leah Purcell
2013 – Jada Alberts
2012 – Nakkiah Lui

TESTIMONIALS

The platform that the Balnaves Fellowship has created for me has really helped expand my vision as a theatre maker, and has given me access to some of strongest creatives in the country. I’ve been able to participate in creative discussions and observe rehearsal room processes that, as an actor, I would normally not have access to. An opportunity like this is rare and I would strongly recommend to any mob out there looking to level up on their artistic journey.

– Guy Simon, 2023 Balnaves Fellow

2026 Andrew Cameron Fellow

Mehhma Malhi was awarded the 2026 Andrew Cameron Fellowship.

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