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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:
Applications for this pilot program have now closed
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
How to Apply
Applications for this pilot program have now closed. The successful applicant will be announced soon.
Assessment Criteria for Selecting the Artist in Residence
Applicants for the NSC x NSCC Artist in Residence Pilot Program will be assessed based on the following key criteria:
- Quality of the applicant’s practice and suitability to the space
- Potential impact of the residency on the applicant’s professional development
- Experience developing and delivering creative programs for children
- Quality and suitability of the applicant’s ideas for the after school creative program
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the North Sydney Council Arts & Culture Team, the North Sydney Community Centre. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their proposal further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept applicants from groups or collectives?
Yes, however all must have a valid WWC
Can I visit the NSCC to see the Art Room?
We will hold on site information sessions so you can see the room and ask questions
Can I teach my own classes in the Art Room during the residency period?
No
Can I bring in collaborators or visitors during my residency period?
All collaborators must be listed as part of your application, and all are required to have a valid WWC and public indemnity insurance. Due to Council and NSCC’s Child Safe requirements, you are not permitted to bring any other visitors into the space
Can I use the room as a rehearsal room for music, performance etc?
If you think that the room is suitable for your needs, yes absolutely. However, you cannot disturb other classes or activities going on in the NSCC
Can I leave my work in progress in the Art Room during the residency?
No. We are providing access to a small but functional storage space
Can I use the pottery wheels, and other clay equipment such as moulds/boards etc?
You can use the clay boards however you will need to bring your own moulds and any other equipment. Use of the pottery wheel may be possible subject to conditions
Can I access the space on weekends or outside the hours listed?
No. The hours of the residency are set at 1.30-5.30 pm Monday-Friday
I do not have any teaching experience can I still apply?
For this pilot, it is important that applicants have prior experience teaching children
What are the age ranges of the children?
5-12 years. Activities should account for this varied range
When do I teach?
During the after-school care program which runs 3-6pm Monday-Friday. We envisage you would run one session per week of approx. 1.5 hours, but we are open to discussing this
What sort of children’s creative activities can I run?
We are open to a considering range of creative activities and formats
Where are the activities run? Do the classes need to occur at the NSCC? Can we leave the NSCC?
All activities must occur at the NSCC in the after-school activity play area under supervision of the After School care team. The workshops cannot be completed in the Art Room or any other area. Children must always remain at NSCC
How many children will attend the activity?
While there are around 40 children in the after-school program, not all will want to participate in the creative activity. We envisage around 12-15 participants each session