Applications for our program

Key information

Key dates

Applications for 2026 are now closed.

Successful applicants the week of 15 December.

Residencies commence

• Primrose Park Artists' Studio – 2 February 2026
• Coal Loader Artist's Studio  – 2 February 2026
• Alfred Street Artists' Studio – 2 March 2026

All residencies are for a fixed 12-month period. Deferral of residency commencement dates are not possible.

Successful applicants will be required to attend a welcome and onboarding session on Friday 30 January 2026, this will include a photo call.

Information Sessions and Studio Inspections

• Register for the First Nations-Led online information session on Tuesday 28 October 1pm
• Register for the Alfred Street onsite information session and studio inspection at Sunday 16 November 12pm-5pm

Fees and charges

• There is no fee to apply 
• Alfred Street and Primrose Park Studio rent is $45 per week payable in quarterly instalments
• The Coal Loader Artist's Studio is fully subsidised 
• The First Nations Artist Residency is fully subsidised
• A refundable key bond $200

Creative Spaces Info Session

Who can apply

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18 years or above
• Reside in Sydney. Artists living in or with a strong connection to the North Sydney local government area, or those working towards outcomes that are locally based, are especially encouraged to apply
• Not intend to operate retail, commercial production, sales activity or businesses from the studio 
• Be willing to enter into a studio licence and participation agreement if successful
• Be willing to provide a current NSW Working With Children Check if successful
• Be willing to provide evidence of Public Indemnity Insurance for $20M if successful

Practitioners who have in participated in Council's Creative Spaces program within the past 12 months may apply, however preference will be given to new applicants. Applicants who have participated in the past 12 months are asked to provide strong evidence they are working towards projects that deliver local outcomes and demonstrate that ongoing access to Council's Creative Spaces program is essential to delivering the project. 

Applications are open to individuals, collectives or joint applicants. One person will need to submit the application and nominate as the primary contact person.

We welcome applications from all art forms and creative disciplines. However, applicants should ensure their practice is appropriate to the space, including open plan layouts, amenities, and any practical limitations. The following are not permitted in Council operated spaces:  

• Use of toxic or hazardous materials
• Materials or processes that require extraction fans
• Materials or processes that result in hazardous waste
• Processes, tools or equipment that emit excessive noise

What’s expected of successful applicants:

• Enter into an agreement with Council that outlines the terms and conditions of the residency and studio Code of Conduct
• Deliver at least one public program outcome (eg open studio, workshop, talk or other project) with support from Council’s Creative Projects team
• Engagement with the offered professional development opportunities
• Commitment to attend the studios regularly
• Respect for the shared nature of the studios and the local communities surrounding each site
• A current public liability insurance for $20M 
• A current NSW Working with Children Check.

Assessment criteria and process

The selection panel consisting of members of Council's Arts, Events & Library teams will review all applications. Applications will be assessed and scored based on the following criteria:

• Artistic vision and professional commitment - the applicant shows a strong, ongoing artistic practice and is actively building a professional career
• Artistic merit - strength, quality and originality of work and ideas, as demonstrated in the overall quality of the application and supplied support material
• Value of residency - the applicant clearly explains why this residency is important for their professional development, and how they will use the opportunity
• Suitability of practice - the applicant’s practice is compatible with shared studio use; materials and processes are suitable for the studio space and within Council's guidelines
• Use - the applicant demonstrates that they will attend and use the studio regularly and productively
• Contribution to the North Sydney community and cultural life - the applicant has potential to contribute, for example through participation in Council programs, sharing their work, or engaging with local audiences

Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 8 December. These applicants are required to accept/decline their residency place by Monday 15 December.

Final residency and studio allocation for Alfred Street and Primrose Park applications is at the discretion of North Sydney Council, taking into consideration all the successful applicants’ needs.

How to apply

Applications are now closed.

Application forms

• There is one application form for Primrose Park and Alfred Street Artist Studios. Applicants are asked to nominate which studio they wish to be considered for, or select both if flexible
• There is a separate application form for the Coal Loader Artist Studio
• There is also a separate application form for the First Nations Artist Residency

Before you apply

• Review all guidelines, information about each studio space, eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
• Preview the application form and check the requirements for support material
• Attend an information session (online or in person) 
• Carefully consider your availability, as residency start dates cannot be deferred

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Alfred Street, Primrose Park and Coal Loader Studios?

We recommend reading the information for each site before deciding where to apply. Each space has a different character, layout, facilities and are suitable for different types practices:

• Alfred Street is located in the heart of Milson's Point and close to public transport. Studios are on one level, wheelchair accessible, and suitable for a range of practices. Find out more.

• Primrose Park in Cremorne is located near the.These spaces are open plan space with shared facilities, ideal for visual artists across a variety of mediums. Only the upper level is wheelchair accessible. Find out more.

• Coal Loader Artist's Studio is a former workshop within the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability; the studio is basic. Council is seeking an artist who will be on site regularly and interested in regular community interaction and working in a public space. Find out more.

Can I ask for a specific studio space at Primrose Park or Alfred Street?

Final studio allocation for the successful applicants at Primrose Park or Alfred Street is determined by North Sydney Council, taking into consideration all the needs, materials, processes of all the successful applicants.

If I am offered a residency, can I defer the start date of the residency, or have a shorter residency?

Residencies all start at the same time and deferral of start times are not offered. Residencies are for a fixed 12 month term. Please consider your other committments before applying. 

Can I apply for Alfred Street, Primrose Park and Coal Loader?

You can apply for multiple sites, but you may need to submit separate applications.

• There is one application form for Alfred Street & Primrose Park (you nominate to be considered for one or both if you are flexible)
• There is a separate form for the Coal Loader and First Nations Residency.

Can I run my business from my studio?

No. The Creative Spaces Program is not intended to support retail, commercial production or business activity. Studios are for creative development work, not for operating a business or selling products.

Are artist collectives or joint applications eligible?

Collectives and collaborative groups are welcome, particularly for the Coal Loader. One member must apply on behalf of the group and take responsibility for the agreement. All members must meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I request feedback regarding my application?

Feedback will be general in nature and provided via email only.

Can I request upgrades or changes to a studio space to accomodate my art practice or other needs?

No. Studio spaces are offered as-is. Applicants must consider whether the space is suitable for their practice before applying.

I am a current or prior studio artist, can I apply again?

Yes, but preference is given to new applicants. If you have participated in the program in the last 12 months, you must clearly demonstrate that:

• Your proposed project delivers local community outcomes, and
• ongoing access to the Creative Spaces is essential for the work.

I do not live in North Sydney, can I still apply?

Yes. The program is open to Sydney-based artists, but those who live in or have a strong connection to the North Sydney area, or whose project delivers local benefits will be highly regarded.