Deadline: 11-Nov-2025
The Space to Create: First Nations Music Residency is an immersive residency program for emerging and established First Nations musicians, producers, and songwriters to dedicate focused time to the development of their music practice.
Focus areas include composition, voice coaching, technical skill development, and professional learning opportunities to support long-term career growth. Objectives highlight strengthening artistic practice, expanding creative ideas, and collaborating with peers. Priorities are community building, sharing knowledge, and enhancing creative practice through workshops, recording sessions, mentoring, and masterclasses with leading industry professionals. Themes also include cross-disciplinary projects, industry knowledge, and cultural expression in work.
Eight First Nations creatives will be selected for this opportunity, which is delivered across two stages. The first stage is a group residency held at the ANU School of Music in Canberra from 16 to 20 February 2026, consisting of a one-week intensive with other First Nations artists. Activities will include workshops, recording sessions, mentoring, and masterclasses designed to build community, share knowledge, and strengthen creative practice. The second stage is an individual residency also at the ANU School of Music, offering one week of focused studio and project time with tailored mentoring and technical support.
Participants will receive travel, accommodation, daily allowances, local transport, and a participation fee. They will also have access to the Yil Lull First Nations Recording Studio, including studio control rooms, professional software, mastering and video editing suites, and resources supported by a Senior Technical Officer. Mentoring from respected First Nations music industry professionals, industry masterclasses, and creative labs across the School of Music will also be provided to build skills and networks.
The program is open to First Nations artists, musicians, composers, producers, audio engineers, and music industry workers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and over 18 years of age. Applicants must apply individually, as groups and organisations are not eligible. The opportunity is not available to those based outside Australia, artist managers or agents, or individuals with overdue grant reports or outstanding debts to Creative Australia.
Residency time and support may be used for developing an album or EP, working with a producer, cross-disciplinary projects such as music with film, theatre, or dance, writing music for film, television, or theatre, recording, mixing, mastering, or production work, expanding vocal or instrumental practice, exploring cross-genre or experimental projects, and strengthening industry knowledge and career planning.
Applications require a description of artistic and professional practice, an explanation of how Space to Create will enhance artistic and professional development, and relevant supporting material. A First Nations Industry Advisory Panel will assess applications against the criteria of quality, impact, and viability. Quality refers to strength of vision, creative skills, cultural expression, and past work. Impact considers artistic growth, project importance, use of residency resources, and potential to develop skills and networks. Viability focuses on timing, cultural protocols, and readiness to participate.
Applicants may submit artistic support material in the form of up to three URLs containing audio, video, images, or written work, or by uploading files in approved formats. Biographies, headshots, and CVs can be included as a single document of no more than two A4 pages, along with letters of support outlining the project’s benefits or partner involvement. Application closes on 11 November 2025.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.