The Kerri Hall Fellowship for Performing Arts offers $15,000 to creatives, artists and writers from the Loddon Mallee region in the field of performing arts.
Successful applicants will receive $15,000, access to the collection, support from a dedicated librarian and office space in the Dome Annulus, as well as access to the library’s podcast studio.
Kerri Hall was a librarian at State Library Victoria from 2001 until 2017, and was highly respected for her knowledge of the library’s theatre and performing arts collection.
Ms Hall was born and raised in the Loddon Mallee district at Mittyack, and remained deeply connected to this region throughout her life.
“Kerri was born and raised up at Mittyack, she went to school in Ouyen until the age of 12-13 years before going to boarding school in Horsham,” Kerri’s niece Amanda Marshman said.
“Last year in October 2021 was 100 years of her family farming here.
“In her younger years Kerri did ballet, but had always loved the arts and theatre. This stayed with her throughout her life.”
Her partner Christopher Baker died in 2020 and his wish was to establish a fellowship in the memory of his late partner Kerri.
“When Kerri passed away and Christopher had organised a plaque in the Latrobe reading room for her, we were — as a family — so humbled that the library was as fond of Kerri as we were,” Ms Marshman said.
“Keeping that connection between the Loddon Mallee region and the state library in Kerri’s memory is pretty special.
“Providing those valuable resources which the state library has to the regional areas is pretty amazing.”
State Library Victoria acting chief executive officer Sarah Slade said the library was excited to welcome a new generation of fellows in 2023.
“This program provides access to all Victorians to better understand our past, inform our present and inspire our future,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to delve into the rare and remarkable items in the State Collection — there is much to explore, from manuscripts, maps, rare books and newspapers, with the support of an expert librarian.
“State Library Victoria is proud to support the recovery of Victoria’s vibrant creative and knowledge sectors.”
Applications are open for the 2023 Fellowships Program and close Friday, September 16.
To find out more, and to apply, visit: slv.vic.gov.au/fellowships
