APDG accreditation is granted to full members who have consistently demonstrated high standards in design and design innovation, as well as having actively promoted the value and contribution of design to Screen and Live Performance industries. APDG Accreditation is considered the highest honour that can be bestowed on an APDG member.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 CLOSE ON JUNE 5, 2026
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Applicants will need to obtain the endorsement from the Live Performance or Screen Chair. The Live Performance or Screen Chair may seek further endorsement by up to 3 accredited members. By way of acknowledging the modesty of some members who might qualify for accreditation but have not applied, the accreditation process provides for a ‘nomination’, where a particular member might be approached to apply by the Screen or Live Performance Chair.
Applications are assessed via a points based system based on the applicant’s scope of experience, that encompasses the following:
- Superior quality of work
- Industry Engagement
- APDG Community Engagement
Applicants must have retained full financial APDG member for at least the last three years. Once accredited, the member must remain financial to continue to use the APDG accreditation next to their name and in professional credits.
Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or residents.
Retired APDG accredited members are granted complimentry lifetime membership on the announcement of their retirement so they can keep their accreditation status in perpetuity.
If you’re considering applying for accreditation, please be aware that should you be successful and receive your letters, it comes with a certain degree of responsibility and commitment. The guild survives by the efforts and participation of its members and appreciates and expects your involvement in activities such as: Awards judging, accreditation assessments, industry talks, participating as an APDG mentor, nominating as a member of the national executive, or taking on an operational or state liaison role.
The guild is only as good as its members, and by gaining your letters, does in turn mean that the guild anticipates that you will be an ACTIVE contributor in order to continue the growth of the guild. We ask you to consider and confirm that you are willing to contribute as an accredited member before you apply for accreditation.
The APDG National Executive reserve the right to remove your accreditation status if your contribution or financials are deemed insufficient. You will be notified in advance of any final decisions.
Applicants will complete either the screen or live performance application form via the links below. Applicants working across both sectors should discuss this with either the Screen or Live Performance Chair to establish the best form for their application.
If you wish to start compiling your application in advance, the application form will require the following essential criteria:
- Full Contact Details
- Proof of Citizenship/Residency
- CV/Resumé
- Credits for 20 Major Works for live performance or 10 Major Works for screen
- Examples of 4 Major Works (These may be submitted as links or uploads)
The application for will require 4 of the 6 supplementary criteria:
- Example of pedagogy (teaching, mentoring or conference presentation)
- Example of volunteering to advance design
- Example International practice/exposure
- Example of Publication (book, magazine, website, journal)
- Example of Industry recognition (award nomination or win)
- Example of contribution to design not listed above
The Accreditation Assessment Panel consists of a diverse range of accredited members with a wide variety of expertise, drawn from across Australia and from industry sectors relevant to the applicant. Up to six accredited members review each application.
The Assessment panel considers all application criteria using a points based system when making recommendations for accreditation. If a consensus is not reached during the initial assessment process, the panel will meet to discuss the applicant and a final decision will be delivered.
Unsuccessful applicants will be advised after the APDG Awards. All decisions are final, however unsuccessful applicants can request feedback and are encouraged to apply again when the criteria can be met.
An accreditation application fee of $275.00 is to be paid with an entrant’s submission.
All decisions are final and the application fee is non-refundable, so we encourage all those interested in applying to CONTACT US (admin@apdg.org.au) with any questions prior to starting an application.