Alfred Street Artists' Studios

Alfred Street Artists’ Studios provides space for up to 4 tenants.

Studio 1 can accommodate two tenants. The individual spaces in this studio are separated by a fixed partition. Each space would be suitable for a wide range of creative practices, with carpeted floors, a good amount of wall space, access to natural light and picture hanging rails.

Studio 2 is a lockable space that could accommodate one tenant. Studio 2 is a smaller space (formerly an office) and would suit a practitioner making smaller scale work or working with computer based/digital practices, literature/curation etc. Studio 2 is carpeted, has access to plenty of natural light and picture hanging rails.

Studio 3 can accommodate one tenant. This space is suitable for a wide range of creative practices. It is a carpeted, open space with access to plenty of natural light. Studio 3 would be suitable for an individual or small group/collective.

All spaces share the following facilities

• 3 x gender-neutral toilets (one accessible) 
• Small clean up space with waste trap 
• Basic Kitchenette facilities (fridge, kettle for coffee/tea making) 
• Studios are air-conditioned 

Each tenant can be provided with: 

• Foldable table/s
• Chair/s 
• 1 lockable storage cabinet 
• All other furniture/equipment is to be supplied by the tenant.

Facilities do not include wi-fi or internet access

Artforms 

Alfred Street Artists’ Studios are suitable for a broad range of practices eg visual arts, performance, literature, arts writers, independent curators, interdisciplinary practices, new media and emerging technologies. While all art forms will be considered, the type of work produced must be conducive to the open plan nature of the spaces and not disturb other tenants in the studios or the adjoining tenant. The following are not permitted in Council operated spaces:  

• use of toxic or hazardous materials 
• materials that require extraction fans or emit fumes 
• materials that result in hazardous waste 
• processes, tools and equipment that emit excessive noise 

Community engagement

As part of councils Creative Spaces program, studio tenants gain access to paid, community facing opportunities to showcase their practice and connect with our community. As part of the tenancy agreement, artists are required to participate in at least one community facing activity co-designed with Council’s Creative Programs team and aligned with our broader arts programming. All engagements are professionally remunerated at NAVA rates.

Paid oppportunities may include, open studio events and artist showcases, facilitating workshops or community-led projects, delivering artist talks or presentations.

Professional development

Council will organise and fund at least two formal professional development opportunities over the course of the residency. This may include mentorship opportunities, structured visiting artist/curator programs, professional headshot, the opportunity to work with professional writer on artist bios or statements. Exhibition or commission opportunities may also be facilitated through Council. 

Studio usage expectations

There is an expectation of high usage. Tenants are expected to use the studio space for a minimum of 3 days per week (21 hours) 

Accessibility, parking and transport 

Studios are all on one level. The building has an access ramp and there is one accessible toilet. 

Parking on site is not permitted. Metered, on street parking is available in the surrounding area. The building is next door to Milsons Point train station and a short walk North Sydney station, Milsons Point ferry wharf and bus stops. The loading bay is not currently accessible. For the information of applicants Transport for NSW works for the new cycleway are ongoing in the surrounding area, however access to the site is not compromised. 

Fees and tenancy conditions 

• Successful artists are required to enter into a licence agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the tenancy. 
• Studios are offered for fixed 6 month term  
• The studios can be accessed seven days a week between the hours of 7am and 9pm. Overnight stay in the studio is not permitted.  
• As part of the tenancy agreement, artists are required to participate in at least one community facing activity co-designed with Council’s Creative Programs team and aligned with our broader arts programming. All engagements are professionally remunerated at NAVA rates.
• Studio rent is $45 per week payable in two instalments. A refundable bond is also payable.  
• Successful applicants require their own public liability insurance of $20 million for the period 
• Successful applicants require a current NSW Working With Children Check 
• Artists are responsible for insuring their property and contents