Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship

Emerging artists and art history students have the chance to take their creative practice further, with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) opening applications for the prestigious Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship.

For 2027, the scholarship is getting a major boost, with two recipients set to receive $50,000 each - up from a single $40,000 award in previous rounds. The funding aims to support artists and art history students in exploring new ideas, broadening their perspectives and developing their practice through travel.

Made possible by a generous bequest from Shirley Lahey (1925–2011), niece of celebrated Queensland artist Vida Lahey, the scholarship honours Lahey’s artistic legacy and the important role travel played in shaping her life and work.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM said the expanded scholarship would create even greater opportunities for outstanding applicants to contribute to the future of Australian art.

Past recipients include Christopher Bassi, Shivanjani Lal, Valerie Keenan and Sara Morawetz, alongside collaborative art collective Kink and artist Debbie Taylor-Worley.

Applications for the 2027 Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship close on 10 January 2027. Emerging artists and art history students with a vision for their future are encouraged to explore the eligibility requirements and apply through the QAGOMA website.

Image credits: 

Image 1 - 2025 Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship recipient Christopher Bassi in studio, 2024/ Photograph: © J Ruckli / Image Courtesy: Art Guide Australia

Image 2 - Vida Lahey painting / Daphne Mayo Collection, UQFL119 / Courtesy: The University of Queensland, Brisbane

Image 3 - Previous Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship recipients / (l-r) 2025: Christopher Bassi / 2023: Shivanjani Lal

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