Coal Loader Artist's Studio

Current Artist in Residence

Dacchi Dang is the 2024/2025 Coal Loader Artist in Residence

Dr Dacchi Dang is Sydney based photographic artist, specialising in alternative photographic processes using non-toxic materials and embracing the use of natural plant materials and sustainable recycled water management to limit wastage. Dacchi first started experimenting with alternative photographic processes during an artist residency at Bundanon, in which he created an artist book by combining plant materials, non-toxic fixatives and binders, as well as solar development. The environment of the Coal Loader situated near water and a hidden natural park, serves as inspiration for to further develop research in non-toxic photographic processes and to share his research with the wider community through an artistic practice that rejects harming the environment.

Dr Dacchi Dang has held significant exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Dacchi's work is held in national and international collections. In 2017, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art mounted Dacchi's first survey exhibition: Dacchi Dang: An Omen Near and Far. In 2016-2019 Dacchi was commissioned to produce two new artworks by the Australian War Memorial, to explore the memories, oral histories and experiences of Vietnamese and Australian veterans during the Vietnam conflict. Dacchi have exhibited in solo and group shows in Australia, China, France, Japan and Belgium. My recent exhibitions include Me and My Shadow, 2023 Fairfield Gallery, purchased by the Australian Maritime Museum and in 2024, The Microdot Project at Granville Art Gallery. I have held artist in residencies at Parramatta Artists’ Studios, Artspace, Ainslie + Gorman, ACT, Bundanon, Hill End, Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris and Tokyo Geidai University of Fine Arts.

About the space

Overview

North Sydney Council is committed to supporting a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable cultural community by providing accessible, affordable and supportive spaces for creative development and production. The North Sydney Creative Spaces program aims to :

• Support artists at all stages of their careers, across a range of creative disciplines by providing affordable studios and spaces for creative production
• Celebrate North Sydney’s cultural diversity, unique heritage and stories and amplify First Nations voices
• Strengthen community connection by encouraging the sharing of creative processes and outcomes with the public

Coal Loader Artist's Studio

The Coal Loader Artist's Studio is located in one of the out-building on the grounds of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability at Balls Head Rd, Waverton on the land of the Cammerygal People. There is one studio space available approx 4m x 4m in size. While the studio space is undercover it is part of a row of out-buildings that were formerly workshops and therefore retains is rustic industrial architecture and charm, the floor is slightly uneven in places. Prospective applicants should consider the suitability of the space to their creative practice before applying.

Facilities include

• use of the lockable workshop studio space
• access to power
• ample daylight
• a trestle table, chair, small storage space

Facilities do not include:

• wi-fi or internet access
• ‘wash up’ space

Shared spaces

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

Permitted art forms

Applications are welcome from creative practitioners working across a range of disciplines. While all art forms will be considered, 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, equipment that emit excessive noise

Fees and tenancy conditions

Successful applicants are required to enter into a licence agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the tenancy.

• Studios are offered for 6 month tenancy residency commencing October 2025
• Studio hire is $20 per week payable in 2 instalments
• Successful applicants will require their public liability insurance of $20million for the period
• Successful applicants require a current NSW Working With Children Check
• Artists are responsible for insuring their property and contents
• Studios are non-residential. Overnight stays are not permitted
• Studios can be accessed from 7am to 9pm 7 days per week

Coal Loader Artist's Studio Applications

Key dates

The next round of applications will open on 22 June 2025, with a 6 month tenancy commencing October 2025.

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Eligibility

Applications are open to individual creative practitioners and creative collectives/groups who:

• are aged 18 years and over

• reside in the Northern Sydney or Greater Sydney regions. 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

• make work that reflects or aligns with the philosophy of The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability: "To operate a high quality facility that will educate and inspire the wider community to put sustainable living ideas into practice."

Creative practitioners at all stages of their career can apply.

Ineligible applicants

Applicants who have participated in North Sydney Council’s studio program in the last 12 months are ineligible to apply this round unless they have a confirmed project with an outcome in North Sydney Local Government Area (LGA).

Selection criteria

The selection panel is comprised of representatives from North Sydney Council's Arts and Culture staff and another industry expert. Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Applicant's creative vision, potential and quality of work, originality of ideas
• Relevance of applicant's practice to the philosophy of The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability:  “To operate a high quality facility that will educate and inspire the wider community to put sustainable living ideas into practise”.
• Impact of the studio residency on the applicant’s professional development
• Suitability of the applicant's practice and ability to work in a studio space in a collaborative manner
• Commitment to attend the studio regularly
• Applicant's capacity and interest in contributing to the cultural life of North Sydney by participating in open studies, facilitating workshops and / or community engaged projects.

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