Applications are now open for the Five Sisters funded artist residency stay for 2026.

The Five Sisters annual residency program at EAR is funded by the descendants of David and Mary Burns and their five daughters Teenie, Belle, Jean, Nellie & Jessie, who all grew up in Edenhope at the start of the 1900’s. All five sisters raised their children in and around Edenhope and a generation of first cousins had a childhood connected by place and by family.

Each November, for the last 35+ years, the descendants of these five sisters have gathered to celebrate the strong family connections and grow new friendships and stories.

In recognition of the special place that Edenhope is to this family, this funded residency aims to connects artists and the community.  The aim is to support creativity, connect the community with creative practice and give back to the place that has nurtured this family.

This funded place covers the residency fee for a stay at EAR, plus a $500 stipend, offering an artist the time, space, and quiet needed to focus on creative practice in a regional setting. The selected artist will have access to the residency accommodation and studio facilities including a printing press, 3D printers, sewing machine, large format printer, and dedicated work space.

Please note: travel, materials, and living expenses are the responsibility of the artist.

Applications close on 20th April 2026.

EAR is excited to announce the four artists selected for the funded places supported by West Wimmera Shire Council. The artists will be coming to EAR later in 2024 and early 2025.

The selected artists for this special round of funding are:

Renee Abaroa, MEX

Anna Boland, GBR

Daniel Grant, AUS

Katika Schultz, AUS

We had over 240 applications and we would like to thank all the artists and acknowledge the time and effort that went into each application. It was inspiring to see the high standard of applications and the diverse range of artistic projects submitted from all around the world.

We look forward to welcoming the selected artists to EAR!

Visit the Open Calls page for details.

A great article about the funding EAR has recently received from the local council. It will be used to buy equipment and to provide 4 artists with funding to attend the residency and provide a small stipend to help cover their expenses. More information will be available soon about how to apply for one of these sponsored opportunities. The equipment will be available for artists to use during their stay and will also be used as part of our workshop offerings open to everyone. Click on the link above to read the full article.