The Lesley Hall Scholarship supports Deaf and Disabled artists, arts workers and creatives who use art to hallenging assumptions about disability. This can be by:

• Challenging preconceptions about disability
• Advocating for the rights of Deaf and Disabled people
• and Deaf or Disability advocacy

You can apply if you:

• identify as Deaf and/or Disabled
• live in Victoria
• have an active arts practice
• Be able to show past works that use art as a tool for change.

Before applying ask yourself:

• Do I have a project I want to work on?
• What do I need to complete my project?
• What would help/ support my practice?
• How am I going to express these ideas?

Applications Open: Tuesday 12 September

Applications closes: Monday 23 October at 5 pm.

You can apply by:

• Filling in the application form online
• Downloading a word version and emailing it to us.

All applications documents and forms can be found above on this web page

Absolutely! Talk to us if you would prefer to submit a video or audio application.

Applications in Auslan are also invited.

If you are the successful, you will receive:

1. A $5000 scholarship; and
2. Ongoing support through conversations with AAV and its staff members

You can use the scholarship money for:

• creative development
• presenting a new artwork project
• sustaining yourself and your practice

What does sustaining yourself and your practice mean?

The Lesley Hall scholarship aims to support as an artist. This means you can use the funds to in any way that can help you continue working as a professional artist. Examples include:

• Professional development
• Equipment and Software
• Paying yourself
• • And much more

• Presentation of a work
• Professional Development
• Equipment
• Paying yourself
• A mix of all of the above

The Scholarship is to support you to undertake whatever you need to continue working as a professional artist.

The development of a art or creative work that challenge assumptions about disability.

Please note: This definition of project is for the Lesley Hall Scholarship. A project may mean something else in other contexts.

We understand the challenges of having an arts or creative practice. We know Deaf and Disabled people can experience more challenges than non-disabled people.

The Lesley Hall Scholarship supports Deaf and Disabled artists, arts workers and creatives. To support their practice and development. We understand support looks different for everyone. And have ensured that you can use this scholarship in lots of ways to support your needs. There are examples above in “What can I do with the Scholarship?” If you would like to know more, please contacts us.

The funding is for 2024. You can negotiate a project extension of up to one year.

You can do your project on your own or you may choose to work with others to produce the artwork.

No, this is to make sure the process is fair for everyone who applies.

Yes, we aim to give all applicates feedback. If you would like feedback, please let us know.

The Selection panel has four community representatives connected to:

• Lesley Hall
• Arts and Disability

Deaf and Disabled people are on the panel.

We will let you know the outcome by the last week of November 2023.

We will announce the winner on our website, social media and at The Gathering.

Lesley Hall was a proud Disabled woman, disability advocate, arts administrator, writer and activist. She was a founder of the Women with Disabilities Australia (Formally Women with Disabilities Feminist Collective). The CEO of Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO). She was a co-founder of the Disability Resource Centre.

Lesley Hall left her mark. Always fighting for the rights of Deaf and Disabled people, particularly Disabled women. In 1981 Hall made headline news across Australia for her now famous protest at the Miss Australia Quest. She took the stage to protest the objectification of women and idealisation of physical beauty. She became instrumental in shaping public policy on disability through her tireless advocacy.

As the CEO of the AFDO, Lesley was instrumental in influencing the formation of the NDIS, and much more. Lesley’s love of the arts came to the forefront in her work as director of the Melbourne Worker’s Theatre and work at Darebin Council. This helped shape Lesley’s passion for increasing Deaf and Disabled people participation ay all levels. Lesley used her experiences as a Board member and Chair of Arts Access Australia and Arts Access Victoria.

Lesley Hall was a quiet character who rarely wanted the spotlight. Lesley’s motivation came from her desire to instigate social change. To help people in society overlooked by the public. Time is finally catching up with what Lesley always knew to be true. Deaf and Disabled people vital members of society and their contributions are important. Exciting times are ahead, and Lesley legacy is finally being realised. Onward to the fray!

You can contact us though reception:

Phone: 03 9699 8299 (voice only)/ 0401 224 864 (text or voice)

You can Contact Alanah Guiry.

 by phone 03 8640 6017 (voice only) or email 

Alanah is managing the Lesley Hall Scholarship applications and works Monday, Wednesday and Friday.