Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship

The Ekka, officially known as the Royal Queensland Show, is a Queensland icon and the state's largest annual event, held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Since its inception in 1876, the Ekka has been a cherished tradition, bringing together regional and urban Queenslanders to celebrate the state's agricultural industries. From its early days when attendees dressed in their finest and show bags were filled with coal, the Ekka has evolved into a vibrant showcase of everything that makes Queensland unique.

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) Fellowship supports research into the history of the Ekka - its people, stories and history using both the John Oxley Library collection and the RNA archives. The fellowship allows a researcher to delve into both collections to uncover and generate new knowledge about the Ekka's lesser-known history, bringing fascinating stories from the archives to light.

The fellowship recipient will receive a stipend of $20,000, a personal workspace within the Neil Roberts Research Lounge for 12 months and premium access to State Library’s extensive collections and library staff expertise. 

In 2026, the EKKA will mark its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) and the outcome of this project will be an important legacy at the centre of its celebration.

Browse our collection to discover historical treasures that tell the history and story of the EKKA.

The Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship is generously supported by The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA).