SIDA was founded in 1951 and was the earliest Australian association of its kind. It sought to advance the art of interior design services to the public, assist designers entering the field, and advance the standards, ethics and professionalism of interior designing. Upon amalgamation with the Design Institute of Australia in 1998, the SIDA Foundation was established as a trust to distribute SIDA’s remaining funds to three Australian universities, including UniSA, to pursue research and teaching in the field.
The Society of Interior Designers of Australia (SIDA) Foundation
David Roche Gallery
DRG was established in 1999 by the late Mr David J Roche AM (1930–2013) to be the recipient and custodian of the exceptional collection of antiques, paintings and decorative arts accumulated by him over his lifetime. Preserved for future generations, the collection spans two centuries of European design from the early rococo of France to Faberge in Russia and is one of the greatest decorative arts collections in a private institution in Australia.
DRG believes in the value and importance of creativity, beauty and the arts in defining and shaping the culture and identity of society, and work to contribute to the decorative arts narrative in Australia. https://www.rochegallery.com.au/vision/
Fellowship purpose and project overview
Adelaide University and DRG welcome fellowship project proposals that engage with DRG collection and vision, reflect the legacy of the SIDA Foundation, and make use of Adelaide University’s College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities resources research expertise. The Fellowship is focused on interior design and decorative arts, but proposals may come from adjacent disciplines, including broader fields of design, art, craft or material culture.
Proposed engagement could include traditional scholarship; design, art, craft or curatorial activities resulting in exhibition; public talks and workshops; or other activities leading to publications and/or creative works. Collaboration with College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities researchers is encouraged.
DRG operates exhibition space at Fermoy House on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, including the Roman Room. Depending on the requirements and timing of the project proposal, exhibition space may be available to the successful applicant(s).
Who can apply?
The Research Fellow will be appointed through competitive application. Applications are open to practitioners or researchers from all levels of experience and career. Applications that develop collaborations with College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities researchers and propose co-produced outcomes will be considered favourably. Adelaide University welcomes both national and international applications; estimated travel costs should be included in the anticipated budget.
Funding details
A stipend of $28,000 will be provided to undertake the research, paid in three instalments. The proposed project should begin no later than 1 March 2026, with all project costs and deliverables, including 3-page report, completed by 30th June 2027.
Application requirements
Please forward an application including the following:
- Project description addressing conceptual premise and relevance of the project to the Fellowship aims (500 words)
- Proposed activities, including methods and timeline (350 words)
- Anticipated costs (please provide a budget)
- Proposed outcomes, including publications and/or creative works (350 words)
- Short CV of research and/or practice, including exhibitions, publications and projects produced in the last five years
- Names and telephone and email contact details of two referees familiar with your research/professional practice
- Portfolio (optional)
Selection requirements
The following selection criteria will be considered when assessing Fellowship proposals. Please note that while not a requirement, collaboration with College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities researchers is encouraged.
- Project vision, innovation and rationale
- Capacity to deliver the project outcome(s) within the budget and proposed timeframe
- Significance of the project outcomes to the applicant’s disciplinary field
Project deliverables could include:
- A curated installation at David Roche Gallery
- public lecture(s)
- Exhibition essay and/or journal article publication(s)
Dates
Applications close 31st October 2025.
Applications and enquiries should be sent to CTV-Research@unisa.edu.au
View the collection: https://collection.rochefoundation.com.au/Presto/home/home.aspx
Take a tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=doECSH9Mqtt
The University of South Australia and The University of Adelaide are transitioning to Adelaide University as of January 2026, https://adelaideuni.edu.au/about/
The research that drives UniSA Creative will transition to the College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities within Adelaide University