Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
Applications are open for a six-week international residency at the Oceania Centre, The University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. This program supports established Australian artists to develop new creative work focused on climate change while engaging with Pacific cultures, communities, and artistic networks.
The residency is part of a tri-nations partnership between Creative Australia, Creative New Zealand, and the Oceania Centre, and brings together one selected artist each from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Fiji.
Program Overview
- Six-week artist residency in Suva, Fiji
- Dates: 1 October to 12 November 2026
- Focus on climate change and environmental themes
- One artist selected from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
- Hosted at the Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific
- Emphasis on Pacific regional engagement and collaboration
- Supports development of new artistic work
Eligible Artforms
- Community arts and cultural development
- Dance
- Digital arts
- Experimental and emerging arts
- First Nations arts and culture
- Fashion and textiles
- Literature
- Music
- Multi-artform practices
- Theatre
- Visual arts
Program Focus
- Climate change and environmental sustainability themes
- Long-term engagement with the Pacific region
- Strengthening cross-cultural artistic networks
- Development of new creative works during residency
- Professional exchange and regional collaboration
- Expansion of international artistic practice
Funding and Support
- Artist fee: NZD 9,000 (approx. AUD 7,373)
- Return international travel from Australia to Fiji
- Accommodation during residency
- Per diems for living expenses
- Project support: NZD 4,000 (approx. AUD 3,273) for:
- Materials and equipment
- Insurance
- Venue and equipment hire
- Promotion and outreach
- Local transport
- Internet access
- Local mentorship
- Access to networking and engagement opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Be established artists with at least 10 years of professional experience
- Have national or international exhibition, performance, or publication history
- Demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to engagement with the Pacific region
- Submit a project proposal aligned with the climate change theme
- Be able to engage professionally with international partners
Ineligible Applicants
- Arts organisations and collectives
- Applicants without sufficient professional experience
- Artists with outstanding reports or debts to Creative Australia
- Applicants without demonstrated Pacific engagement practice
Project Requirements
- Must be a new creative work developed during residency
- Must align with climate change and environmental themes
- Must include a clear artistic concept and execution plan
- Must demonstrate relevance to Pacific regional contexts
- Must reflect long-term artistic engagement strategy
Selection Priorities
- Strong artistic track record and professional recognition
- Clear alignment with climate change themes
- Meaningful connection to Pacific cultures and communities
- Potential for cross-cultural collaboration
- Innovative and experimental approaches to practice
- Capacity to contribute to international arts networks
Program Objectives
- Support high-level artistic development in an international context
- Foster collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
- Strengthen Pacific-focused artistic networks
- Promote creative responses to climate change
- Encourage cultural exchange and dialogue
- Enhance visibility of Pacific regional arts practice
Conclusion
The Oceania Centre Artist Residency provides established Australian artists with a fully supported opportunity to create new climate-focused work in Fiji while engaging deeply with Pacific cultures and artistic communities. By combining funding, travel support, and cross-cultural collaboration, the program strengthens international artistic exchange and supports innovative responses to global environmental challenges.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
