OPPORTUNITIES

‘Five Sisters’ Funded Artist Residency

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 with a stipend of $500, offering an artist the time, space, and quiet needed to focus on creative practice in a regional setting. Located in western Victoria, EAR provides a self-directed residency environment that supports deep thinking, experimentation, and rest.

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.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to artists working in any discipline. EAR welcomes applications from emerging to established practitioners who would benefit from dedicated time away to focus on their work. The residency will be self-directed, with no mandated outcomes, other than a willingness to engage with the local community through a workshop, exhibition, artist talk, or other public-facing activity during their stay.

Residency period

This residency period can be chosen by the artist in agreement with EAR to take place in 2026.
This funded place covers a stay of one month in accordance with EAR’s usual policies and available time slots.
To apply please visit this application form.

EAR gratefully acknowledges Narelle Voguel for instigating this project and making this funded residency opportunity possible.

Applications close 20th April 2026. Artists will be notified of the outcome of their application two weeks after the closing date.

PREVIOUS OPPORTUNITIES

For the first time, Writers Victoria is offering two members a two-week residency in partnership with Edenhope Artist Residency. This opportunity is possible thanks to the Grace Marion Wilson Trust.

In November 2025, two Writers Victoria members writing in any genre will spend two weeks immersed in creativity and quiet reflection as part of the Writers Victoria and Edenhope Artist Residency.

This opportunity is open to current members. One placement will be awarded to a First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse writer.

The two successful applicants will receive:   

  • A stipend of $500 each.
  • Free accommodation for the duration of the residency.
  • 24/7 studio access.
  • Free access to two Writers Victoria online or in-person workshops.
  • The opportunity to run a Writers Victoria workshop. 

Applications open: 9AM (AEST), Sunday 10 August 2025
Applications close: 11:59PM (AEST), Sunday 31 August 2025

To be eligible to apply, you must be a current member and your membership must not expire before November 2025. Visit Writers Victoria website for more information or to renew your membership.

Open Call for Mural Artist – Funded Opportunity – may 2025

Applications are invited for an artist to create a vibrant and engaging mural at Apsley Primary School in the West Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia. This exciting opportunity is presented in collaboration with Edenhope Artist Residency and Apsley Primary School.

The successful applicant will undertake a month-long residency at Edenhope Artist Residency and work closely with Apsley Primary School students and the local community to design and paint the mural located at the school. This collaborative project aims to bring art to the school while engaging with the students and inspiring creativity within the community.

Residency Details:

  • Location: Edenhope Artist Residency, Edenhope Victoria and Apsley Primary School, Apsley, Victoria
  • Residency Duration: 1 month
  • Funding: The selected artist will receive a stipend of $500AUD and have their residency fees covered for one month at Edenhope Artist Residency ($1500AUD). Mural materials & production costs will also be covered up to $1000AUD. 

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking an artist who is passionate about creating public art that engages with both the school and the broader community. The successful applicant will:

  • Work collaboratively with Apsley Primary School students and the local community to develop the concept for the mural.
  • Take into consideration the theme, imagery, and cultural relevance of the mural for the school and the surrounding community.
  • Have the opportunity to involve students in the painting process based on the artist’s vision.

Eligibility:

  • Working with Children Check (WWCC) or VIT Registration is required.
  • The artist must have access to their own transport as the residency and mural location are remote.
  • While we are open to both Australian and international artists, we expect the artist to have the necessary permissions and requirements for working in Australia. We are not able to provide any assistance with Visas. 

How to Apply:

To apply, click here.

Applications will require: 

  • Examples of relevant mural or public art work.
  • A brief concept proposal for the mural, including any initial sketches or ideas. 
  • A brief artist statement outlining your artistic practice and how you would approach this community-based project.
  • Proof of a Working with Children Check (or VIT registration). 
  • More images and measurements can be found here.

Deadline for Applications: Monday 31st March, 2025.

2024 Funded Places

Applications for this open call are now closed. All applicants will be notified of the outcome within the next four weeks from the closing date of 15th March 2024.

Edenhope Artist Residency is excited to be able to offer four funded places for 2024 generously sponsored by West Wimmera Shire Council.

The funded places offer a small stipend of $1000AUD and covers the full cost of the residency fee for one month ($1500AUD). Artists will still need to cover all their own travel, food and art material expenses that are not covered by the stipend. 

The stipend is payable upon arrival. The funded month residency can be applied for as part of a longer self funded stay of up to three months.

There are no expectations about what you will use the residency for but we would expect selected artists to conduct at least one public event such as a creative workshop (for adult participants), an artist talk, demonstration, performance or educational activity in conjunction with the local schools. An exhibition of work created during the residency would also be highly encouraged.