Artist in Residence Program 2027

Cumberland City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals and organisations engaged in creative, arts and cultural practice to join our Artist in Residence Program for 2027. The Artist in Residence Program offers applicants non-residential, studio spaces to use for a three-month period. There are four opportunities offered each year at The Granville Centre Artist in Residence space, and additional opportunities at The Peacock Gallery and Auburn Art Studio. In return for rent-free use of the studio space, the artists are required to engage with the community in the following ways: participate in one open studio event participate in a public program: e.g. a workshop, demonstration or artist talk. Cumberland Artist in Residence program aims to: provide artists with free short-term access to spaces and facilities to produce, present or develop their artform. Residency period is three months subject to scope and need, provide Cumberland communities with opportunities to engage with arts and culture. Artist in Residence Programs – General Information Artists in Residence are granted use of studios free of charge. Consumables of day-to-day studio practice are to be provided and paid for by the artist. To support artists to carry out their activities, Council pays a $1,000 fee per residency. In return for rent-free use of the studio space the Artist in Residence will facilitate opportunities for the community to engage with their practice by way an open studio, and a public program e.g. workshops, presentation/performance/showing, or other project outcome. Successful applicants will negotiate a program of activity/Agreement with Cumberland City Council. See profiles of previous Artists in Residence here. About Auburn Arts Studio Peacock Gallery and Auburn Arts Studio Auburn Botanic Gardens, corner Chisholm and Chiswick Roads, Auburn Botanic Gardens Studio 1 (43m2) and Studio 2 (65m2). Auburn Arts Studio Artist in Residence Program is focused on providing artists and curators, groups or organisations with working space away from their usual living and working environment to focus on visual arts practice or projects. This program aims to provide opportunities for mutual exchange between artists and local community through public program and/or exhibition/showing outcomes. Successful applicants will be allocated one studio space for the agreed duration, generally for three months subject to project scope and need. About The Granville Centre The Granville Centre – Artist in Residence 1 Memorial Drive, Granville The Granville Centre Artist in Residence space is a 36m2 modern purpose-built space with tables, chairs, natural light, paint wash up sink, kitchenette, and storage cupboards. The Granville Centre is Council’s key arts and cultural facility, including Granville Centre Art Gallery and a dedicated Artist in Residence space. It is a community hub facility centrally located a short walk from Granville Town Centre, close to the vibrant food destination location of South Street, and heritage item Granville Town Hall. The Granville Centre includes a range of community activated spaces including Granville Library, workshop spaces, a purpose-built music recording and rehearsal space, community halls for hire, and outdoor recreation spaces and gallery. Granville Centre Art Gallery opened in late 2020 and has presented a range of exhibitions, events, and programs. The Granville Centre Artist in Residence Program offers the opportunity for artists in any artform to work in a space well connected to vibrant community activity. This program aims to provide opportunities for mutual exchange between artists and local community through public program and/or showing and presentation outcomes. Your application Once you have read this Artist in Residency program information, please complete the online Application Form. For more information or support before commencing your application, please contact the Arts Team on 02 8757 9029 or email granvillecentreartgallery@cumberland.nsw.gov.au Application details Activity Date Applicants notified Friday 25 September 2026 Liaison with applicants, formation of Agreements and Program of Activity Friday 25 September 2026 – Friday 27 November 2026 Artist in Residence Program 2027 January – December 2027 Please note that separate applications/proposals are required for the Arts Program and the Artist in Residence Program. If you wish to apply for both, an application needs to be submitted to each. Selection criteria for Artist in Residence Program Applicant’s connection to Cumberland (Preference will be given to applicants that live, work, study or play in the Cumberland Local Government Area or at minimum demonstrate capability and intention to meaningfully engage with Cumberland communities). Originality of ideas Quality of artist's work Value of the studio to the professional development or capacity building of the individual artist/ arts group/collective or organisation. Suitability of art form for the facility. Commitment to utilise regularly the available studio space. Willingness to participate in engaging with Cumberland communities through associated program and presentation/showing outcomes. Eligibility Applicants must be over the age of 18 and have the right to live and work in Australia. Applicants must possess or be willing to obtain Public Liability Insurance to a minimum of $20 million and listing Cumberland City Council as an Interested Party. Applicants must possess or be willing to obtain Working with Children Check for paid employees. Applicants must have an ABN or ability to obtain prior to commencement.