Artist in Residence Program
Expressions of interest (EOI) for two 2025 residencies are now open, and we encourage all interested artists to apply. EOI close on Sunday 1 December 2024
Invitation to Artists
We invite local artists to participate in our Artist in Residence program. This unique opportunity allows artists to immerse themselves in Suburban Land Agency’s (SLA) Display Village environment, drawing inspiration from Whitlam and SLA themes.
- Residency Details: Artists can join a self-directed 2-5 day per week residency program for three to five months, starting in February 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 EOI form, which includes a one-page proposal, an artist statement, and a portfolio showcasing recent work.
- Selection Process: The selection panel will review submissions and shortlist applicants, which will determine who will be offered the first residency of the year, and any subsequent residency/s in 2025. There will only be one EOI process for 2025.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in the Artist’s studio within SLA’s Display Village.
Key details
Selection Process:
EOI Open: Monday 11 November 2024
Site Tour: 4.30 – 5pm, Wednesday 20 and 21 November or 27 and 28 November (email your interest to attend to [email protected]). Other times can be arranged.
EOI Close: 11:59pm Sunday 1 December 2024
You can also email your EOI form to: [email protected] with subject heading ‘Artist in Residence 2025 Program EOI”
The purpose of this residency is to:
- Support artists in the Canberra region.
- Activate SLA’s Display Village through enlivening the spaces available.
- Contribute to building and showcasing creativity within SLA’s Display Village.
- Contribute to making SLA’s Display Village a great place.
As the Artist in Residence, you will:
- Work on a project to be achieved within the residency timeframe.
- Gain free use of an open workspace for 3 - 5 months.
- Be present in the studio for a minimum of 2 days per week throughout the term of the Residency, including at least one weekend per month.
- Receive an allowance/stipend of $4,800 (3 months) to $8,000 (5 months) for mid-career to established artists (5 years + since graduation and/or 8 years since started practicing) and $2,400 (3 months) to $4,000 (5 months) for emerging or recent graduates
- Have costs of resources for public facing workshops or event covered by SLA (for discussion and negotiation with SLA).
- Have the opportunity to deliver Artist talks, workshops or community engagement.
- Have increased exposure to the Canberra community.
- Have your residency promoted through SLA communications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 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.
- Live in or near Canberra
For any enquiries regarding this program, please contact us at [email protected]
Learn more about the program
SLA has developed the Artist in Residence program with the aim of bringing art to the community by locating a local artist in the heart of Whitlam. During this program, SLA will support emerging and long-time artists seeking a new location to inspire their work and connect with the community.
This residency, commencing in early 2025, includes an Artist project and an Artist led opportunity for Canberran’s to connect with the artist and their work. Information about this activity will be provided via the SLA communication channels.
Artist Testimonial
Sarah Murray, Whitlam’s first Artist in Residence, said “It has been a great opportunity being in studio residence at the Suburban Land Agency display homes. The large and well-lit studio space has been a wonderful place to return to my art practice and immerse myself in my work. I have been able to create a series of small oil paintings, a large-scale acrylic work and charcoal drawings. The studio is in a unique environment that allows for new community engagement, providing connections with the local community who may not normally engage with the arts. It has been great having conversations with those visiting the display homes and for them to see the process of the works being made."
SLA works to create vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods where communities thrive. We achieve this through:
- 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.
SLA Display Village
Located in the suburb of Whitlam, the SLA 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 40 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, 10am to 4pm.
