Table of Contents
A Celebration of Local Art and Community
Project Overview
This residency provides a unique opportunity for six local artists to engage with their community by creating two-dimensional artworks during a two-week residency in Mount Gambier’s CBD. The program aims to celebrate the region’s culture, history, and the dynamic relationship between artists and their environment. From Monday August 11, 2025 to Sunday August 24, 2025 artists will work in an open studio space, allowing the public and school groups to observe their creative processes. This initiative promotes both artistic development and community engagement.
Residency Benefits for Artists
Artists selected for the ‘Space and Place’ Artist Residency will receive a range of in-kind support designed to enhance their experience and visibility throughout the duration of the program. These benefits include:
- Photography: A photographer will document aspects of the artist’s creative journey. This service will provide imagery for the artist’s portfolio, promotional efforts, or future exhibitions, at no additional cost to the artist.
- Studio Space: Artists will have access to the residency’s studio space at no cost, allowing them to focus on their creative process in a supported and professional environment.
- Promotional Content and Media Exposure: As part of the residency, artists will benefit from exposure through local media interviews and feature articles before, during, and after the project. This media coverage will be designed to highlight the artist’s work, process, and engagement with the Mount Gambier community.
- SALA Association Promotion: Since the ‘Space and Place’ Artist Residency is part of the 2025 SALA Festival, selected artists will also receive promotional content through the festival’s platform, further elevating their exposure within the South Australian arts community.
These opportunities ensure that each artist’s work and experience are captured and shared, providing valuable exposure and professional development within the local and broader artistic landscape.
Application Requirements
Artists are asked to submit a resume/CV of no more than 2000 words and a written statement of no more than 2000 words, that addresses the selection criteria, eligibility requirements and considers the relevant additional information.
Artists are asked to submit visuals / images of their artwork to demonstrate how their practice aligns to the selection criteria as either a separate portfolio additional to the two written documents or incorporated within their resume/CV and written statement.
Expressions of Interest are to be emailed to hello@beartiful.com.au and must be received by 5pm Monday 14th April 2025. No late applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified by 5pm Thursday 17th April 2025 of the outcome and have until 5pm Tuesday 22nd April 2025 to accept.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Local Artist Status
The residency is open to local artists, defining “local” as living in Mount Gambier or within a reasonable geographic range of Mount Gambier.
2. Availability
Artists must be available to work from Monday, 11 August – Sunday, 24 August. The residency period spans two weeks, during which artists will engage in the creation and exhibition of their artworks.
3. Studio Commitment
Artists are required to work in the studio, which will be open to the public and school tours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Artists must be prepared to engage with visitors, answer questions, and demonstrate their creative processes where appropriate.
4. Work Schedule
Artists must commit to working 3 of the 5 weekdays each week during the residency period (Monday to Friday). Consistent attendance is vital to the residency’s success and the artists’ community engagement.
5. Completion of Work
All works must be completed and exhibition-ready by Sunday, 24 August, at 4:00 PM. Artists are responsible for ensuring their works are suitable for display, including framing or mounting as necessary.
6. Public Liability Insurance
Artists must provide proof of public liability insurance for the full duration of the residency. This is a mandatory requirement for participation.
Additional Information
Visual Concept
Artists are NOT required to submit a visual concept for selection, as the focus is on the artist’s process and engagement with the community. However, if selected, artists may begin their work at any time, with the understanding that all works must be completed by Sunday, 24 August, at 5:00 PM.
Medium
Artists are invited to create two-dimensional art works in variety of media, which may include drawing, painting, fabrics, textiles, printmaking and mixed-media work. Photography, digital and 3D works cannot be considered. All artworks must be two-dimensional.
Size
The maximum size of artworks is 120cm x 240cm. Works exceeding this size will not be able to be catered for in the residency space.
Artwork for Sale
All artworks must be available for sale. Artists will retain 100% of the proceeds from any sales. All artworks must be appropriate for commercial sale in terms of quality, presentation, and pricing. Artists will also be compensated in kind through social media releases, studio space, professional photographer, no commission fee on sale of artworks.
Compensation
Artists who meet the residency requirements will be compensated at a rate of $1,000 per week. Compensation will be provided upon completion of the residency, following verification of all required deliverables.
Media and Promotion
Media Consent
By applying, artists agree to allow documentation of their work and process for promotional purposes. This may include press releases, interviews, and social media content. Artists must be comfortable with their work being featured in local media and online platforms.
Social Media Promotion
Artists are encouraged to actively promote the residency on their personal social media platforms. This helps to raise awareness of the project and fosters a greater connection with the community.
Photographs
Professional photographs of the artists’ works will be taken at the end of the residency. These photographs will be available for purchase by the artists. The City of Mount Gambier will retain the right to use these photographs for future promotional purposes. The artist will retain all intellectual property rights and copyright to their works.
Important Notes
Application Review
All applications will be reviewed by the selection panel. Artists who meet the eligibility and application criteria will be notified about their success by 5pm Thursday 17th April 2025 and will be required to accept the residency by 5pm Tuesday 22nd April 2025.
Commitment to Promotional Activities
If selected for the residency, artists will be asked to participate in media and promotional activities, including interviews, studio visits, and social media features. Participation is essential to the project’s success and visibility.
Terms of Agreement
By submitting your Expression of Interest, you agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in this document. Failure to meet the requirements or adhere to the schedule may result in disqualification from the residency, withdrawal from the exhibition and no monetary compensation.
Exhibition Period
All artworks must be available for exhibition for the duration of September.
Thank you
We sincerely appreciate your interest in participating in the Artist Residency – Space and Place: A Celebration of Local Art and Community. We look forward to receiving your application for this exciting project.
The completed application is to be emailed to hello@BeArtiful.com.au no later than Monday, 14 April, 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Thank you for your time and effort in applying.
We acknowledge and thank City of Mount Gambier for this Residency Project opportunity through the Creative Arts Fund.
