Peter Steele Poetry Award

Study level
Graduate coursework, Graduate research
Enrolment status
Current student; Alumnus
University Trust Record
UTR 7.314
Other
Award type
Scholarship
Number of scholarships awarded
Only one

About

The Peter Steele Poetry Award supports Faculty of Arts research higher degree students with a publishing record and creative writing alumni who have submitted a thesis in the last five years. The Award may support activities related to preparing a poetry collection or verse novel manuscript for submission or publication.

Applications open

13 January 2025

Applications close

24 March 2025

Benefits

Up to $7,000 is available and one award will be offered from this total amount. Award payments will be made as a single lump-sum.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, you must:

  • be a current research higher degree student in the Faculty of Arts; or,
  • have submitted a thesis in the Faculty of Arts within the previous five years of the scholarship closing date; and,
  • have a publishing record.

Selection criteria

Preference is given to applicants with a publishing record and the recipient will be determined after considering the following:

  • the statement outlining the positive impact of the award and proposed activities;
  • the quality and feasibility of the submitted proposal supporting the preparation of a manuscript submission or publication;
  • the quality of the submitted poetry;
  • academic merit; and,
  • the skills, experience and aptitude required to carry out the proposed project as evidenced by the application.

Conditions

Recipients are required to:

  • accept the award online within 21 days; and,
  • submit a final report.

Outcome

The Peter Steele Poetry Award recipient may be invited to participate in the Melbourne Writers Festival, or an activity associated with the Peter Steele Poet in Residence.

Application process

Eligible applicants must complete the online application form, including:

  • a 500-word statement describing how the award would positively impact your creative work and outlining the activities related to preparing a poetry collection or verse novel manuscript for submission or publication;
  • a poetry sample of up to 10 pages, preferably from the proposed creative work;
  • a literary CV of no more than 2 pages;
  • at least one academic reference;
  • a current statement of results; and,
  • any other information to support your application that may assist the committee in making its decision.

Apply

Enquiries

artsawards-info@unimelb.edu.au

About the donors

Father Peter Steele AM (1939 - 2012) was an academic at the University of Melbourne, a graduate of the university and scholar in residence at Newman College. An acclaimed poet and academic, Steele was a visiting professor at the University of Alberta, Georgetown University, Loyola University of Chicago and Fordham University. In 2010, Steele was awarded the Christopher Brennan Award for lifetime achievement in Poetry and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012 for service to literature and higher education as a poet, author, scholar and teacher, and to the Catholic Church. The Peter Steele Poetry Award is supported by the generous contribution of a group of donors including The Hon Susan Crennan AC KC and Dr Michael Crennan KC, Allan Myers AC KC and Maria Myers AC, Dr Jack Steele, and other additional contributors.

Recipient feedback

Shari Kocher

Peter Steele’s legacy lives on. It is a privilege to be a part of this award, which honours Peter Steele’s abiding contribution to the vocation of poetry.

Shari Kocher