Artist-in-Residence
Strathnairn Arts Artist-in-Residence program provides artists with a time and space to explore and develop work.
About the residency
Strathnairn Arts is a not-for-profit arts association supported by the ACT Government. The association provides studio and workshop facilities, equipment (including a significant range of ceramic kilns) for artists from a range of disciplines.
Strathnairn Arts has an artist-in-residence program which is available to national and international artists. The residency program enhances the artistic working environment at Strathnairn and encourage greater involvement of members and the public through workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations and other activities.
The facilities are situated in a rural setting of 9.5 hectares approximately 20 minutes drive from Canberra’s CBD. The rural setting and gardens have a range of outdoor spaces for possible artistic use.
“This residency let me explore the local landscape, make work at my own pace, and figure out what my next steps as an artist might be. It felt like a recharge of some very tired batteries!”
Katie Hudnall, 2022 Artist-in-Residence
Duration of residency
Residencies can be anywhere from one to 12 months. Applicants are invited to submit with their proposal an appropriate length for their residency based on their project requirements.
Accommodation
A self-contained residence is available for short term use – it includes a small kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and living space. The residence is connected to the studio. Artists may request use of the residence in their proposal.
Access
Historically, Strathnairn Arts has been primarily a ceramics facility. An extensive range of gas, electric and woodfired kilns are located onsite with ceramic studios and equipment available. A working foundry is also located at Strathnairn for the production of cast-metal work. Artists in residence can hire these facilities (based on their skills and experience and after the appropriate inductions).
Studio/workspace
The studio provided for the AiR program is approximately 3 by 4 metres. It is well-lit, with western views to the Brindabella ranges. The space includes several tables which can be arranged to suit the resident’s needs. A small carport connected to the studio is available for storage or parking.
Location
Strathnairn Arts is located in a rural setting of 9.5 hectares (23 acres) approximately 20 minutes from Canberra’s CBD. The facility includes a range of standalone artist studios spread over the property, as well as several gallery spaces, a café, shop and art spaces for hire.
Canberra is home to Australia’s federal government and national collections including the National Gallery of Art, National Museum of Australia, National Archives of Australia and National Library of Australia. There are numerous local and independent galleries and studios including the Canberra Glassworks, Megalo Print Studio, and the Canberra Potters Society. The ANU School of Art and Design is also located in Canberra.
Fees
There is no application fee to submit a proposal for the Strathnairn Artist in Residence program.
Residency outcomes
The residency program does not have an expectation with regards to outcomes – the program is designed to provide artists with time and space to explore new ideas and develop work. However, if the applicant feels comfortable in doing so, a small exhibition of works made during the residency, or an open studio can be organised as part of public outreach. Applicants are also encouraged to suggest opportunities for hosting workshops and classes, and to engage with the community of artists working from Strathnairn.
What you will need to apply
Applicants are requested to submit the following with their proposal:
Artist bio
Current CV
Residency proposal (max 500 words)
A selection of up to ten images and/or videos of recent work with descriptions
The proposed timeframe for the residency (and any suitable alternative dates)
Other parties involved during the residency (associations, funding bodies, assistants, partners)
Submit an application
Applicants should ensure their applications are submitted at least six to twelve months prior to the proposed residency, to ensure adequate time for correspondence and preparation of the Artist-in-Residence Agreement.