Arts residencies

Proposals for residencies, exhibitions and performance events are assessed against the following criteria, but need not meet them all:

1. The project and the work should have a high degree of collaboration. This may be between artists,
   between artists and communities or between artists and professionals in other disciplines such as
   science, natural history and cultural heritage.
2. Projects that involve a high level of creative engagement are encouraged. Communities and
   audiences may be involved in the work through participating in production or interacting with
   the product in a way that enriches the work.
3. Projects that respond to the site in an innovative way are encouraged. Works may be site specific,
   or designed to locate and relocate around the buildings and grounds of the precinct.
4. Proposals should consider innovative ways of extending the life and accessibility of the work
   beyond the period of the project.
5. Projects that offer a potential for generating income for the artists are supported.

Proposals may be developed in consultation with the Cultural Services Team and will be assessed internally.

Initiatives by prospective residencies should respond to one or more of these themes.

1. Indigenous Cultures
2. Asia Pacific Region
3. North Queensland Region
4. Local Communities and Community Issues
5. Local Industry - a focus on activation and programming which builds a deep connection with the
   local community
6. Local History - celebrate our city’s unique environment and heritage and celebrates the art and
   culture created in Cairns

Successful applications can expect support from Cultural Services including:

• Curatorial and/or programming services
• Introductions to potential project partners
• Provision of letters of support to funding bodies and sponsors
• Residency rates for studio/production space
• Possible exhibition or performance space
• Marketing and promotional support
• Handling of ticket sales and/or sales of artworks (ticket sales all through Ticketlink).
• Affordable accommodation at No. 5 Collins Avenue

No. 5 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill is a four-bedroom timber house, built in the traditional “Queenslander” architectural style with a large deck at the back and a lush garden. It includes an office/studio with telephone and wireless internet upstairs and a workroom downstairs. It can sleep up to 5 people as a family or in a share-house situation. It is in walking distance from the Tanks Arts Centre, the Arrows walking tracks, and adjoins the beautiful Centenary Lakes parkland.

* A minimum of 2 weeks will be charged for short stays.

Find out more information about Cairns Regional Council's Fees and Charges for Cultural Services venues.
( PDF, 0.02 MB )

Local artists applying for a residency might also be interested in Cairns Regional Council’s grants program for in-kind and cash assistance. Projects that involve and benefit the Cairns community might be eligible for grant funding.