The Alastair Swayn Foundation-RMIT Architecture (ASF-RMIT) Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome (AAR) is now accepting expressions of interest for the 2025-26 cycle.
This esteemed fellowship, co-funded by the Alastair Swayn Foundation (ASF) and RMIT Architecture, provides an exceptional chance for Australian architects, landscape architects, and design professionals to enhance their practice through an immersive eight-week residency in Rome, Italy.
About the ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship
The ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship is designed to foster creative growth and innovation by allowing professionals to engage with a multidisciplinary community at the American Academy in Rome (AAR).
The program offers access to world-class academic and cultural resources, allowing Fellows to explore their projects in a stimulating intellectual environment.
Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in:
- Academic and cultural programs at AAR.
- Lectures, concerts, study trips, and exhibitions relevant to their field.
- Collaborative discussions with experts from various disciplines.
The residency period will be between September 2025 and July 2026, with dates decided in consultation with AAR and the selected applicant.
Fellowship Benefits
The ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship provides comprehensive support, including:
1. Accommodation and Workspace
- A private room with a bath at the American Academy in Rome.
- A dedicated studio workspace.
2. Financial Support
- A $7,500 stipend to cover travel and living expenses.
- Access to communal meals prepared under the Rome Sustainable Food Project.
3. Professional Growth & Networking
- Participation in academy events, interdisciplinary discussions, and research activities.
- Access to AAR’s world-class library, archives, and collections.
- IT and academic support.
4. Public Engagement
- The Fellow must deliver a public lecture in Australia upon returning, sharing insights from their residency experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship, applicants must be:
- Australian citizens or permanent residents working in architecture, landscape architecture, or related design fields.
- Australian citizens living overseas are also eligible.
- Applicants must not have any pending unaudited grants from ASF or RMIT.
- Individuals who owe money to ASF or RMIT cannot apply.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Project Proposal
- A one-page document (A4 format) explaining the project and its relevance to their professional development.
2. Portfolio
- A five-page (A4 format) PDF showcasing relevant built or unbuilt work.
3. Biography and CV
- A two-page (A4 format) document summarizing the applicant’s career and achievements.
4. References
- Contact details for three referees who can provide professional support for the application.
Selection Process
- Applications will be evaluated by a jury appointed by RMIT Architecture.
- The jury will assess submissions based on merit and project relevance.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews in March 2025.
- Final recommendations will be submitted to the ASF Board for approval.
- The successful applicant will be notified in April 2025.
Important Dates
- Opening of Expressions of Interest: 31 January 2025
- Application Deadline: 11 March 2025 (11:59 PM AEDT)
- Interviews (if required): March 2025
- Notification of Selected Fellow: April 2025
- Residency Period: Between September 2025 and July 2026 (specific dates to be determined with AAR).
Apply Here: RMIT ASF-RMIT Fellowship Application
The ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome is a rare and prestigious opportunity for Australian architects, landscape architects, and design professionals to immerse themselves in an intellectually rich and culturally inspiring environment.
By offering financial support, accommodation, and access to world-class academic resources, this program ensures that the Fellow can focus entirely on creative and professional growth. If you are an ambitious professional looking to expand your horizons, don’t miss the chance to apply before 11 March 2025.
FAQ:
Who can apply for the ASF-RMIT Affiliated Fellowship?
Australian citizens or permanent residents working in architecture, landscape architecture, or design fields can apply. Australians living overseas are also eligible.
What is the duration of the residency?
The residency lasts for eight weeks and can be scheduled between September 2025 and July 2026, with dates determined in consultation with AAR.
What financial support is provided?
The Fellow receives a $7,500 stipend for travel and living expenses, accommodation, communal meals, and access to research facilities.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are reviewed by a jury appointed by RMIT Architecture, assessing merit and project relevance. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
What is required in the application?
Applicants must submit a project proposal, portfolio, CV, and references as per the specified format.
When will the successful applicant be notified?
The selected Fellow will be notified in April 2025 after the jury review and possible interviews.
What commitments does the Fellow have after completing the residency?
The Fellow must deliver a public lecture in Australia, sharing insights and experiences from their time at the American Academy in Rome.
