The Antarctic Arts Fellowship is offered annually to artists and writers to experience first-hand the awe of the Antarctic and share this experience through their artistic medium. 

The artist in resident will travel to the icy continent in the next summer season, and applicants are selected based on how identifiable the artist's work is to Antarctica. 

Last year’s fellow was fiction writer Sean Williams, who used the opportunity to research an alternate history novel about the time of Antarctic exploration.

Based at Casey Research Station he said the experience of being there and experiencing it personally was irreplaceable. 

“Being there was an extraordinary experience, one I’ll strive the rest of my life to capture in words for others to share,” he said. 

Australian Antarctic Division director Nick Gales encourages people to apply. 

“This is an opportunity for creative communicators to interpret the Antarctic environment and their experiences within it, and share it with others on their return,” Dr Gales said.

“Artists are vital in weaving together the physical and emotional stories of the land and the people who work there.”

Expressions of interest can be submitted online at www.antarctica.gov.au until May 5, after which shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to submit a more detailed application.