Come join us as a Resident Artist!
The Abbotsford Convent Studio Residency Program offers artists a unique opportunity to undertake the development of a new work with time, spaces and support in a beautiful national-heritage listed setting.
The Maggie Maguire Residency – 6 months
Dates: 1 Jul – 18 Dec 25
Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF) Studio Residency –
Two 3–month programs
Dates: 1 Jan – 27 Mar or 31 Mar – 26 Jun 2026
Tuck in to this autumn’s selection of events!
Choose from a buffet of fun these school holidays with Smörgåsbord — an exciting selection of art workshops, interactive performances and stories for children of all tastes.
Sat 5 Apr – Sat 12 Apr
Introducing our new Writer Residents
We are delighted to announce the four inaugural recipients of our brand-new Writers Residency Program. Please join us in welcoming Luke Beesley, Michael Dulaney, Mia-Francesca Jones and Cat Yen.
Announcing PLATFORM an initiative of Abbotsford Convent and BlakDance, and First Nations-led creative development program for multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists.
Exhibition
Thu 8 – Sun 18 May, 9am–9pm
St Heliers Street Gallery
Abbotsford Convent
Starting 2 October 2024, Justine takes the helm of our National Heritage listed multi-arts precinct. She brings to the Convent her extensive experience in the Cultural, Government and Commercial sectors, with a dynamic track record of setting an ambitious vision, identifying new opportunities, challenging the status quo and driving change. Welcome to the Convent Justine.
Large studio offers a unique creative space at Abbotsford Convent.
Be part of the Convent’s creative community in this bright, open studio with all the architectural and design elements to support a vibrant workspace. Open to all proposals that fall within Arts, Culture and Learning.
In 2004 the Abbotsford Convent Coalition fought to save the Convent from commercial redevelopment and won.
This mighty movement was marked by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation being handed the keys to the Convent by the Victorian Government, providing the community with a special place to celebrate arts, culture and learning.
20 years later, Abbotsford Convent remains at the heart of a creative community. Memories are created here. Moments are celebrated here. Momentum is harnessed here.
From its days as a Kulin Nation meeting point, to a closed monastic site, to an inspiring community campaign resulting in today’s arts and cultural precinct —discover the Convent your way through our self-guided tours:
Ngulu-nganjin (Our Voice)
Hear the Traditional Owner history and heritage through Indigenous voices and storytelling.
Social History Tour
Uncover memories collected from former residents and caretakers of the land, from monastic site to community campaign.
Makers Map
Find out who’s here, explore the Heritage listed studios and find gifts and artworks all created on-site by the tenant community.
