About the Studio Program
North Sydney Council is calling for applications for a new Artist in Residence Pilot Program, offering a unique opportunity for creative practitioners to develop their practice in a dedicated studio space while engaging with young people. This pilot program will also help shape the future of Council's Artist in Residence initiative.
The opportunity
North Sydney Community Centre (NSCC) will provide an artist or artist group with access to the Art Room at NSCC at no cost. In return, the artist will develop and deliver a creative program for children attending the Centre’s after school care program. This initiative aims to enrich children’s artistic engagement while supporting a creative practitioner with access to a studio space. North Sydney Council will pay the artist (at NAVA rates) for the teaching component.
Expressions of interest are welcome from diverse creative practitioners, including visual artists, performers (theatre, dance, music), and those working with experimental media or new technologies.
Key Dates:
EOI opens: Monday 3 March 2025
EOI closes: Monday 31 March 2025 at 11.59pm
Residency period is during Term 2 2025, week commencing Monday 28 April 2025 and ending Friday 4 July.
Residency and Studio Details:
Duration of the residency: Term 2 2025 (Monday 28 April and ending Friday 4 July). There may be an option to extend this period.
Studio Space available: Exclusive access to use the Art Room at NSCC between 1.30pm-5.30pm Monday to Friday. The Art Room is a purpose-built arts and crafts space (approx. 71m²) designed to support a variety of creative activities, including clay work. It features:
- Four large stainless steel-topped workbenches (on wheels)
- Swivel stools
- A small wash-up sink
- Natural light and high ceilings
- Heating and a fan
- Access to a small, functional, and lockable storage space is also available.
Use of the NSCC Art Room does not include access to the NSCC kiln. Use of the NSCC pottery wheel may be possible, subject to conditions.
While we welcome a broad range of creative practices, the facility is not suitable for activities that produce toxic fumes, excessive noise, or hazardous waste.
Teaching Requirement: The artist will develop and deliver 8-10 creative workshops of approximately 1.5 hours each during the residency as part of the NSCC after school care program. The after school care program operates between 3-6pm Monday-Friday. We envisage the artist will would run one session per week of approx 1.5hrs duration, however we are open to discussing this.
Artist fee for teaching: $230 per workshop up to 10 workshops, and an additional $500 allowance for preparation and materials. Total fee payable for 10 workshops is $2800 payable in instalments.
Who we are looking for
A creative practitioner who:
- will benefit from a use of a dedicated studio space
- will commit to regular use the studio space to develop their practice and/or work on a specific project
- has experience designing and delivering creative classes or activities for children aged 5 and above
- can design and deliver hands-on, inclusive, and engaging activities for all abilities
- can commit to the full term 2 2025 program.
- is willing to participate in the pilot program evaluation process
Eligibility Criteria
- Any individual creative practitioner or group may apply
- Must hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Must have Public Indemnity insurance