George and Nita Balales Grant for the Creative Arts

The George and Nita Balales Grant for the Creative Arts will be awarded to a student who is enrolled full-time in the second, third of fourth year of an eligible creative arts undergraduate program at the University of South Australia, with a preference to those pursuing contemporary arts or performing arts studies.

The grant will provide financial assistance to a talented student experiencing financial disadvantage, assisting them with the cost of materials for their program, as well as general living expenses. Funds may also be used to participate in extra-curricular activity, such as travel, which will broaden their horizons and contribute to the recipient’s future success in the creative arts.

Eligible programs are:

• Bachelor of Arts – Creative Writing and Literature; Cultural studies; Performing Arts; Social Media; and Screen Studies
• Bachelor of Contemporary Art
• Bachelor of Creative Industries
• Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours)

• Australian Citizen.
• Enrolled in an eligible program at UniSA.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate program as a second, third or fourth year student, or standalone Honours program.
• Full-time study load.
• Submission of a written statement.
• Submission of a character reference.

Grant recipients are required to provide a progress report at the end of the grant year outlining their progress and achievements.

Full-time recipients will be given preference. Part-time applicants will be considered where there is a demonstrated need to study part-time.

Applicants are required to provide a written statement (maximum 500 words) detailing:

• Academic achievements.
• Reasons for studying their current program and their passion for the creative arts.
• Personal circumstances/financial disadvantage (disclosed at applicant’s discretion).
• How this grant will contribute to future career goals.

The grant is aimed at students in financial need. Applicants should address the aspect of financial need in their written statement.

Applicants are required to provide a character reference. Examples of a suitable referee could include a Program Director, Course Coordinator, employer, religious or community leader, coach, or Justice of the Peace.

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend a selection panel interview.

In addition to applying online, applicants are required to provide a written statement and character reference, as outlined above.