Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Maribyrnong City Council has launched its Artsbox Artist in Residence Program to provide support for artists.
Focus areas, objectives, priorities, or themes include demonstrating a connection to Maribyrnong or Melbourne’s West, presenting a clearly articulated residency proposal with defined aims and objectives for a new creative project, and outlining a plan to engage with the local community and/or the Footscray Library’s collection.
The Artsbox residency program offers artists a unique opportunity to develop new work, test and explore ideas, or advance their arts practice within a versatile studio space equipped with a small kitchenette, plumbed sink, split system air conditioning, and large tables, making it suitable for a variety of media, including those that require a wet room. The program welcomes artists of all disciplines who live, work, or study in Melbourne’s West or can demonstrate a connection to the City of Maribyrnong.
Residencies include a six-week placement in the converted shipping container studio, a stipend of $1,000 toward artist fees and/or material costs, and access to Footscray Library resources such as a library card, printing facilities, use of the library conference room, and assistance with connecting to community and library programs. Artists will also receive marketing support to share community engagement opportunities and residency outcomes.
Artists offered a residency are required to be present at Artsbox for a minimum of four days per week during the agreed residency period, with access available only during Footscray Library staffed hours. They must offer at least one public engagement opportunity to showcase or involve the community in their residency outcome. Additionally, artists must provide a written evaluation and summary of the residency, including images of their work, within 30 days of the residency ending, and acknowledge the City of Maribyrnong in any future activities resulting from the residency. Public Liability insurance to the value of no less than $10 million is also required.
Applications for Artsbox residencies, available from June 2026 onwards, close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. Interested artists can submit an expression of interest by filling out the form available at Artsbox Artist in Residence Program – Maribyrnong Council Arts and Culture, ensuring they select ‘Artsbox’ when completing the residency section. Other residency streams are also open for applications, but separate forms are required for each program.
For more information, visit Maribyrnong City Council.
