Artist in Residence
SLA has developed the Artist in Residence program for the first time in the unique location of our Display Village in Whitlam, with the aim of bringing art to the community by locating a local artist in the heart of Whitlam, SLA will support emerging and long-time artists seeking a new location to inspire their work and connect with the community.
This three-month residency, commencing in September, includes an Artist project and an Artist led opportunity for Canberran’s to connect with them and their work. Information about this activity will be provided via the SLA communication channels.
In 2025 SLA will be offering two new residencies across the year for a 3-5 month period, commencing in February.
The Suburban Land Agency (SLA) is essential in shaping Canberra’s communities. Our mission is to create vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods where residents thrive.
Here’s how we achieve this:
- Placemaking and Sustainable Design: We carefully plan future communities, focusing on sustainable design and creating great places.
- Land Sales: Buyers, builders, and developers purchase land from us, contributing to the city’s growth.
- Community Engagement: We work closely with communities to build connected neighbourhoods that foster a sense of belonging.
The SLA Display Village
Located in the suburb of Whitlam, SLA's Display Village showcases our commitment to creativity, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, collaboration, and sustainability. It features thirteen display homes, including four owned by the SLA. These homes serve as an innovation precinct and are open to the public from Thursday to Sunday each week. Visitors can explore the houses independently, with daily visits ranging from 2 to 20 people.
Public events at the village attract visitors from across Canberra, creating a dynamic space for creativity and community engagement. The SLA Sales and Information team is available on-site from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Invitation to Artists
We invite local artists to participate in our Artist in Residence program. This unique opportunity allows artists to immerse themselves in the SLA Display Village environment, drawing inspiration from Whitlam and the SLA themes.
- Residency Details: Artists can join a self-directed 3-5 day per week residency program for three months, starting in September 2024.
- Eligibility: Artists of all ages (18+) and career stages can apply. Individual applicants or groups are welcome, but only one studio is available.
- Application Process: Interested artists should submit an expression of interest, including a one-page proposal, an artist statement, and a portfolio showcasing recent work.
- Selection Process: The selection panel will review submissions and shortlist artists for interviews.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in the purpose-built Artist’s studio within the SLA Display Village.
Key details
The purpose of this residency is to:
- Support artists in the Canberra region.
- Activate the Display Village through enlivening the spaces available.
- Contribute to building and showcasing creativity within the Display Village.
- Contribute to making the SLA Display Village a great place.
As the Artist in Residence, you will:
- Work on an agreed project to an agreed timeframe, within the residency.
- Gain free use of an open workspace for 3 months.
- Be present in the studio for a minimum of 3 days per week during SLA Display Village operating hours (10am to 4pm), throughout the term of the Residency, including at least one weekend per month.
- Receive an allowance/stipend of $5,400 for mid-career to established artists (5 years + since graduation and/or 8 years since started practicing) and $2,400 for emerging or recent graduates.
- Have the opportunity to deliver Artist talks, workshops or community engagement.
- Have increased exposure to the Canberra community.
- Have your residency promoted through the SLA communications.
Eligibility: To be eligible, artists must:
- Be willing to be visible to and engage with the public.
- Have a current ABN.
- Have public liability insurance for the duration of the Residency.
- Be an Australian citizen and over 18 years old.
For any enquiries regarding this program, please contact us at [email protected]
