Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Maribyrnong City Council is accepting applications for its Bluestone Church Arts Space Residency Program to support artists at different stages in their project’s lifecycle, whether it is a developing concept, an emerging draft, or a rehearsed production ready for its premiere season.
The program aims to provide creative development opportunities for new works, offer supported seasons for performance-ready productions, and encourage community engagement and public presentation.
The Bluestone Church Arts Space is a 246-square-metre venue featuring high ceilings, white walls suitable for projections, and a large open timber floor. Past users have described it as versatile, unique, and creatively inspiring. It is conveniently located within walking distance of Footscray Station, making it easily accessible for artists and audiences.
In 2026, the Artist Residency Program will offer two types of residencies: Creative Development and Supported Season. The Creative Development residency is designed for artists seeking a space to explore and develop a new work over a two-week period, with an expectation of high usage. Applicants must clearly outline how their proposed development will advance their arts practice, and at least one opportunity for the community to view a work-in-progress is encouraged. Arts & Culture Maribyrnong provides a stipend of $1,000, in-kind access to the venue, coverage of technical equipment hire fees, and marketing support for community engagement.
The Supported Season residency is for artists wishing to present a performance-ready work for one to three weeks. Artists are expected to handle bump-in, technical rehearsals, the public presentation, and bump-out within this timeframe. Arts & Culture Maribyrnong offers a stipend of up to $5,000, a dedicated theatre technician for the technical rehearsal, full box office takings for the production, in-kind venue access, technical equipment coverage, and marketing support alongside the artists’ campaign.
Artists in both residencies are required to provide a written evaluation and summary of their residency, including images for marketing and reporting purposes. They must also pay a refundable $200 security bond, provide public liability insurance of at least $10 million, and organize sufficient front-of-house and box office coverage for public events. Future performances following the residency must acknowledge the City of Maribyrnong.
Eligible applicants are performing artists residing in Melbourne’s West, or those with a strong connection to the City of Maribyrnong. Priority will be given to original work, and applicants must have an active ABN or be auspiced, have completed prior council grants if applicable, and hold public liability insurance. Accessibility considerations are encouraged and can be discussed with the Arts and Culture team.
Applications will be assessed by a peer panel based on artistic practice, connection to Melbourne’s West, the creative team’s skills, project clarity, marketing strategy (for Supported Season), and a realistic budget. Applications close at 11.59 pm on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
For more information, visit Maribyrnong City Council.