Artist in Residence applications now open

Published on 18 December 2023

Pictured above: Rox de Luca, 2023 Artist in Residence, at work in the studio space

The Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf’s Artist in Residence Program is an opportunity for artists to research and develop new work within a vibrant, harbourside cultural space.

Our Artists in Residence get rent-free access to a furnished studio space in the gallery’s Cultural Hub for a 16-week period and have access to mentoring and curatorial support.

In return, the Artist in Residence facilitates opportunities for the community to engage with their art through open studios, workshops or artist talks, and they might contribute an exhibition, project or performance to the Gallery program.

In 2024 the Artist in Residence Program is building its capacity by opening a second studio, enabling the presence of two residents per session.

Kate Wallace, image courtesy Havard Sagen

Melbourne-based artist Kate Wallace, who creates miniature oil paintings, was one of our 2023 Artist in Residence.

Kate said she was motivated to apply for the program as she was seeking inspiration for new paintings.

“As my works are largely informed by my experience of place, I was looking for a space in which to collect visual materials to help influence the direction for my next series of paintings,” Kate said.

“Working in this beautiful space allowed me to solely focus on my practice, while also having the chance to meet people from the local community, which has been a real privilege.”

Maya Martin-Westheimer

Maya Martin-Westheimer also participated in the Artist in Residence program in 2023.

Maya said she was attracted to the program as she was keen to create a project inspired by the local area and its cultural, historical and First Nations significance.  

“This opportunity allowed me to create meaningful work and fostered a sense of connection and mentorship, particularly with Gallery Director Pippa Mott, which has been invaluable to my creative practice,” Maya said.

“The residency was a generative, creative opportunity for me and nurtured the foundations of my current project, Rockpool Residency". 

One of the outcomes of Maya’s residency is a special community event Rockpool Residency: Unseen Worlds at Nielsen Park, situated on the ancestral lands of the Birrabirragal People, on Saturday 12 February from 10am-5pm. Everyone in the community is invited to attend to learn more about the unique ecology and enduring cultural significance of this land and to nurture a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Hosted in collaboration with Floorplan Studio, the event features an exhibition of works by contemporary Sydney artists, cultural engagement activities led by Dr Shane Ingrey, the Sydney Marine Institute (SIMS) and other ecologists and marine biologists.  You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the new Floorplan x Nielsen Park field guide to learn more about the ecology and history of Nielsen Park (digital copies will be available for viewing for free online). 

Applications for the Artist in Residency program close 5pm on Wednesday 31 January 2024. Read more and apply.