[1] The fund and foundation have been supported by four generations of Myer family members.
[9] The fellowships are tax-free and paid over two years, over which time it is expected that the recipients largely remain in Australia.
Mid-career Australian artists, arts managers, and "thought leaders" in the humanities are all eligible.
The choice of recipients by the selection panel is based on two criteria: outstanding talent, and exceptional courage.
[10] Many Indigenous Australian creatives have been Sidney Myer Creative Fellows, including Jonathan Jones, Alexis Wright, Ellen van Neerven, Eric Avery, Vernon Ah Kee, and (in 2022) artist Vincent Namatjira.