The Jayne Wilson Bequest Bursary 2023: Call for expressions of interest

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is calling for applications for the 2023 Jayne Wilson Bequest Bursary, from researchers interested in studying TMAG’s collections.

The bursary is named in recognition of the late Jayne Wilson, who was an active member of the Hobart business community and who, in retirement, developed a keen interest in Tasmanian flora and fauna as a result of her research into the life of renowned Tasmanian botanist, Dr Winifred Curtis.

The Wilson Bequest was generously granted to TMAG in 2016, with a portion allocated to bursaries to assist with studies of interest to the museum. The bursary for up to $5 000 is aimed at graduate-level or above research associated with TMAG’s collections, and the funds can contribute towards airfares, accommodation, a subsistence allowance or other expenses.

The 2021 bursary recipients were Torika Bolatagici and Rosanna Raymond for their research tiled ‘Decolonising Collections, Honouring Indigenous Women in the TMAG Pacific Collection’, and Yoav Daniel Bar-Ness for his research titled ‘Urgent Herbarium Conservation of Giant Trees’.

Who can apply?

- An established researcher who brings their specialist knowledge to the TMAG collection

- An early career researcher who will work with TMAG specialist professional staff on some aspect of the collection

- TMAG staff, in order to travel and/or gain knowledge and skills that will add value to the TMAG collections

The proposed project:

- Must relate specifically to the TMAG collections, including the Natural Sciences, Art, First Peoples or Cultural Heritage

- Must add value to the collection. For example, it could lead to a particular subset of collections/specimens being identified, curated and made accessible

- Result in a publication, a lecture, an exhibition, workshop, online product, catalogue or other tangible product to communicate the research

- Must be completed (including reporting) within 15 months of commencement.

Information for applicants:

- Submit a short outline (no more than two A4 pages) of the project, proposed time frame and the resulting product

- Identify a relevant supervisor or TMAG staff member with whom the project has been discussed and who will support the work

- Submit a curriculum vitae

- Demonstrate a record of completion of projects within specified time frames

- Submit a budget showing how the grant is to be allocated.

The recipient/s will be required to submit a report to the TMAG Trustees within three months of completion of their tenure, outlining achievements, expenses, and date of outcome delivery. All outcomes of the program will acknowledge the support of the estate of Jayne Wilson.

The selection process:

Applications are to be made in writing, addressed to the Director, TMAG, and are due by 5:00 pm on Friday 14 April 2023.

A selection panel will be chaired by the Director of TMAG and two other members selected at the discretion of the Director.

The successful applicant/s will be advised in May 2023.

For enquiries to specific areas, please mark attention as follows:

Kirstie Ross – Senior Curator Cultural Heritage

Jane Stewart – Principal Curator Art

Tony Brown – Team Leader, First Peoples Art and Culture

Keren Ruki – Senior Curator (Pacific) First Peoples Art and Culture

Dr Gintaras Kantvilas – Head of Herbarium

Dr Cathy Byrne – Senior Curator Zoology

Please email applications and enquiries to tmagmail@tmag.tas.gov.au or call (03) 6165 7001.

Image details: Torika Bolatagici and and Rosanna Raymond viewing a hiapo from the Pacific Collection at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. This tapa (bark cloth) was donated by Reverend Dr Nicholson c.1870, registration M495