Cairns Regional Council is currently evolving its Arts Residencies Program in anticipation of the new Cultural Strategy, due for release in 2027.
Future residency opportunities and program guidelines will be shaped by the Strategy's vision, creating new pathways for artists to connect, create and contribute to Cairns' cultural life.
Artists interested in applying for future residencies or hearing about other opportunities are encouraged to join our artists' database to receive updates as information becomes available.
Artists' opportunities database
For other enquiries, please contact Residencies@cairns.qld.gov.au
The Artist in Residence program has been developed by Tanks Arts Centre to appeal and cater to a range of arts practitioners including visual arts, music, writing, performance, multi-media and community cultural development. Opportunities exist for short and long term projects, especially those that have a connection to or presentation outcome at Tanks Arts Centre.
Applications are welcome from all parties, with no set application deadlines. We encourage creative ideas from local, national and international artists and community groups.
Tanks Residency Program has a special exchange program for the artists and communities of our sister cities:
Artists from these cities are encouraged to develop projects that aim to increase awareness and understanding between the peoples of our cities.
Organisations in our sister cities are encouraged to consider hosting Cairns based artists in the spirit of cultural exchange.
Find out more about the multi-arts program
No. 5 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
The residence is situated on the periphery of the Gardens precinct, and adjacent to Saltwater Creek. The refurbished four bedroom 1970’s Queenslander home, sits amongst towering mango trees, with a large balcony overlooking a tropic garden and a very short walk from Tanks Arts Centre .
The house is offered as short to medium term accommodation to artists hosted by the Tanks Arts Centre Residency Program, and for artists and performers engaged in our program of events.
The house may be made available to other host organisations in Cairns who need to accommodate artists, scientists and researchers for short to medium term accommodation.
No.5 Collins Ave Residence Accommodation Application
The program’s objective is to offer a socially and creatively conducive environment in which artists can live and work; to attract professional and student artists and scientists from around the world to experience the region and exchange ideas.
Cross-disciplinary interaction and collaboration is highly encouraged. Applicants may share the accommodation with other resident artists and/or scientists, though this is not enforceable.
The aim of our residency is to attract professional and student artists and scientists from around the world and house them in an environment conducive to an ideas exchange on their experience of our region.
For more information please contact:Residencies@cairns.qld.gov.au+61 7 4032 6600