Our Creative Spaces

This unique workshop space is within the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton on the land of the Cammeraygal People. The Centre supports a wide range of environmental education resources, activities and programs, and is home to the Sydney Library of Things, the Fix-It Hub, regular markets, community gardens, bushcare nursery and learning spaces. The Coal Loader is a heritage-listed former industrial site, repurposed for public use. The site and surrounding parklands are located on the harbour foreshore close to Balls Head Reserve.

We are seeking a creative practitioner or creative collective to use the Coal Loader Artist Studio as a base for their practice, and to activate the space through regular public engagement, education, or participatory creative activities. Creative practitioners or collectives who are interested in one or more of the following are strongly encouraged to apply for this residency: 

• Environmental or sustainability focused creative practices, bio-art, eco-art or science based art practices, community or socially engaged art practices.
• Collaborative or participatory creative projects that invite community members to contribute, make, share or learn together.
• Process-based practices that focus on collective experience.
• Collaborative practices that involve working with local groups, volunteers, or community members as co-creators or participants.
• Creative projects that engage with the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability’s mission to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness.
• Creative projects that have the potential to leave a lasting benefit, such as new community knowledge, stronger local networks, or an idea that continues beyond the residency.
• Practitioners who are interested in working with site-based groups such as the Sydney Library of Things, Fix-It Hub, or sustainability educator.

What’s expected:

• A regular and visible presence on site throughout the 12 month residency.
• As well as using the space as a base for developing their own practice, the successful applicant will welcome regular community interaction (e.g. through open studios, making days, drop-in projects, talks, installations, co-creative processes, etc).
• Work respectfully within the existing site programs and community networks.

The studio space is approximately 4m × 4m, lockable, and partially enclosed within the row of outbuilding. While the studio would be suitable to a wide range of creative practices, there is no wash-up space inside the studio and the floors and walls are brick/concrete. Prospective applicants must consider the suitability of the space to their creative practice before applying.

What Council provides:

• 12 months of rent-free studio space
• Budget for artist fees/material support for community facing activations
• Support promoting of community facing activities via Council channels
• Assistance facilitating connections and introductions to relevant community groups
• Access to Council's structured professional development program

While we encourage ambitious and creative proposals, the following will not be supported:

• Proposals for permanent public art installations
• Proposals that do not have a strong arts or cultural focus
• Projects that charge a fee for community engagement activities
• Commercial or retail activities

Facilities include:

• Trestle tables, chair, storage space
• Access to power

All other furniture/equipment is to be supplied by the tenant.

Facilities do not include:

• Wi-fi or internet access
• Picture hanging rails or pin boards
• Wash-up space within the studios

Shared facilities:

• A public toilet is available next to the studio and is open 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week.
• There is one unisex accessible toilet, shower and baby change room located in the Genia McCaffery Centre open 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week.
• A communal kitchenette in the Genia McCaffery Centre, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm (closed public holidays).