Call for Entries: Artsbox Artist Residency Program (Australia)

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

The Artsbox Artist in Residence Program offers six-week residencies and a stipend to artists of all disciplines connected to Melbourne’s West to develop new work and engage with the local community. Artsbox is a converted shipping container studio located outside Footscray Library. The residency programme provides artists with a dedicated creative space, library resources, marketing support, and opportunities to connect with local residents through public engagement activities.

About the Artsbox Artist in Residence Program

Artsbox is designed to support short-term artist residencies that encourage creative development and community connection in Melbourne’s West. The programme encourages residents to engage with the Footscray Library Collection and its community. Through this approach, the residency aims to create benefits for both participating artists and local residents. Artists can use the space to develop new work while interacting with the surrounding community. Residency Duration Each Artsbox residency lasts for six weeks. During the residency, selected artists are expected to spend substantial time working from the Artsbox studio and participating in community engagement activities. Studio Space and Facilities Artsbox provides a versatile studio environment suitable for artists working across a variety of disciplines and media. The studio includes amenities that can accommodate different creative practices, including activities that require access to a wet room. This allows artists to use the residency space for a range of creative development activities. Artist Stipend Each selected artist receives a $1,000 stipend.

The stipend can be used toward:

- Artist fees. - Material costs. The financial support is intended to help artists with costs directly associated with their residency and creative development. Library Resources Residents receive access to library resources as part of the programme. Artists are encouraged to engage with the Footscray Library Collection and the wider library community as part of their residency experience. Marketing Support Selected artists also receive marketing support during their residency. This support can help promote the artist’s residency activities and community engagement opportunities. Community Engagement Community connection is an important part of the Artsbox residency. Residents have opportunities to engage with local residents and are required to offer at least one public engagement opportunity during their residency. Artists are encouraged to consider how their creative practice and residency activities can connect with the Footscray Library community. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to artists of any discipline who meet the relevant connection requirements.

Applicants must:

- Live in Melbourne’s West, or - Work in Melbourne’s West, or - Study in Melbourne’s West, or - Demonstrate a connection to the City of Maribyrnong. The programme therefore welcomes artists from different creative disciplines and backgrounds who have an established connection to the local area. Attendance Requirement Selected artists must be present at Artsbox at least four days per week throughout the six-week residency. Applicants should therefore be able to commit the required time to working from the Artsbox studio during their residency period. Public Engagement Requirement Each resident must provide at least one public engagement opportunity. This forms an important part of the programme’s focus on connecting artists with the local community. Residency Evaluation and Images Within 30 days of completing the residency, selected artists must provide: - A written evaluation. - Images of their residency outcomes. These materials are required as part of the post-residency process. Public Liability Insurance Selected artists are required to have public liability insurance of at least $10 million. Applicants should ensure they can meet this insurance requirement before undertaking the residency. New Work and Creative Development The Artsbox residency provides artists with an opportunity to dedicate time to developing new work. The combination of a dedicated studio, financial support, library resources, marketing assistance, and community engagement opportunities allows artists to explore their practice while remaining connected to the local community. Key Facts About the Artsbox Artist in Residence Program

- Programme: Artsbox Artist in Residence Program

- Location: Outside Footscray Library

- Region: Melbourne’s West

- Residency duration: Six weeks

- Artist stipend: $1,000

- Stipend use: Artist fees and/or material costs

- Eligible disciplines: All artistic disciplines

- Studio: Converted shipping container studio

- Facilities: Versatile studio amenities, including a wet room

- Library support: Access to library resources and the Footscray Library Collection

- Marketing: Marketing support provided

- Community engagement: At least one public engagement opportunity required

- Geographic eligibility: Artists who live, work, or study in Melbourne’s West, or demonstrate a connection to the City of Maribyrnong

- Attendance: At least four days per week at Artsbox

- Post-residency requirements: Written evaluation and images within 30 days

- Insurance: Public Liability insurance of at least $10 million

Frequently Asked Questions About the Artsbox Artist in Residence Program What is the Artsbox Artist in Residence Program? It is a six-week artist residency programme that provides artists connected to Melbourne’s West with studio space, a stipend, library resources, marketing support, and opportunities for community engagement. How long is the Artsbox residency? Each residency lasts six weeks. How much is the artist stipend? Selected artists receive a $1,000 stipend toward artist fees and/or material costs. Who can apply? Artists of any discipline who live, work, or study in Melbourne’s West, or who can demonstrate a connection to the City of Maribyr