Artist in Residence – Expression of Interest for 2026
Where art meets community
The Suburban Land Agency’s Artist in Residence program celebrates creativity at the heart of Canberra’s newest neighbourhoods. Based in the SLA Display Village in Whitlam, this program gives artists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant, evolving community — a place where art, people, and place come together.
Each year, the program welcomes local artists to take up residence in our purpose-designed studio space. Artists are supported to create, experiment, and share their process with visitors to the Display Village. It’s an inspiring environment that connects artists directly with the community.
Why get involved?
This is more than just studio time — it’s a chance to:
- Work in a light-filled studio located within a thriving public space.
- Connect with the Canberra and local community through open studios, workshops, and events.
- Be featured and promoted through SLA communication channels.
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."
About the SLA Display Village
The Suburban Land Agency (SLA) is committed to creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods where communities thrive.
We achieve this through:
- Placemaking and Sustainable Design – Thoughtfully planning new communities that prioritise sustainability and livability.
- Land Sales – Working with buyers, builders and developers to deliver quality land releases that drive Canberra’s growth.
- Community Engagement – Collaborating with local residents to build connected, inclusive neighbourhoods that foster a strong sense of belonging.
Located in Whitlam, the SLA Display Village brings together creativity, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, collaboration, and sustainability. It features display homes and acts as an innovation precinct where art, sustainability, and place design meet.
The SLA Display Village is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from across Canberra to explore the display homes and enjoy a range of workshops, events, exhibitions and community activities. Our Sales and Information Suite operates from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, providing visitors with expert guidance and information.
Artist in Residence Program
The Artist in Residence program invites local artists to immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere of the SLA Display Village, drawing inspiration from Whitlam’s landscapes, community and the SLA’s placemaking values.
The Artist in Residence program runs for three months, starting in February 2026, with artists committing to a self-directed program of 2–5 days per week.
The purpose of this residency is to:
- Support and promote artists within the Canberra region.
- Activate and enliven the SLA Display Village through creative use of its spaces.
- Showcase and celebrate creativity within the SLA Display Village.
- Contribute to making the SLA Display Village a vibrant place.
Support and benefits include:
- Develop and complete a creative project within the residency timeframe.
- Free use of the artist studio for 3 months.
- A stipend of $4,800.
- An opportunity to deliver artist talks, workshops or other community engagement activities.
- Costs associated with resources for public facing workshops or events will be covered by SLA (pending further discussion and agreement).
- Share your work and connect with the Canberra community.
- Promotion through SLA’s digital and community channels.
Artists are expected to:
- Complete a creative project within the residency timeframe.
- Be present in the studio for at least two days per week, including at least one weekend per month.
- Deliver at least one public engagement activity, such as an artist talk or workshop or donate an artwork
Who can apply
The program is open to artists of all disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages who:
- Are 18 years or older and live in or near Canberra.
- Hold a current ABN and public liability insurance.
- Are willing to engage with the public as part of the residency experience.
- Are Australian citizens.
Individual or group applicants are welcome to apply, however only one studio is available.
How to apply
To apply, simply submit an Expression of Interest that includes:
- A one-page project proposal
- An artist statement
- A portfolio of recent work
A selection panel will assess all applications and shortlist artists for the 2026 residency program. Successful applicants will be offered residencies across the year, with every effort to align with date preferences. Please note, there will only be one EOI process for 2026.
For any enquiries regarding the Artist in Residence program, please contact us at [email protected].
Apply now to become the 2026 Artist in Residence at the SLA Display Village.
