Programma di residenza in studio del Convento di Abbotsford

Come join us as a Resident Artist!
2025 — 2026

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.

Artists are invited to extend their practice through the development of a new work, and to share outcomes from their work-in-progress in Abbotsford Convent’s public programs.

Current Residencies:

We currently have two Residencies open to creatives of all art forms and skill levels.

Il Residenza Maggie Maguire - 6 months

Dates: 1 Jul – 18 Dec 25
Honorarium: $7,000
Applications close 11.59pm, 20 April 2025

For early career artists who have practiced as a professional artist continually for less than 5 years.

This Residency is generously supported by The Patagorang Foundation, founded by Roger Allen and Maggie Gray in honour of Abbotsford Convent’s first CEO, Maggie Maguire OAM.

Please read the Application Guidelines before applying.

Apply now

Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF) Studio Residency –
Two 3–month programs

Dates: 1 Jan – 27 Mar or 31 Mar – 26 Jun 2026
Honorarium: $3,500 per residency
Applications close 11.59, 20 April 2025

For emerging and established visual and performance artists at any age and stage of development.

Note: you will be asked to apply for one preferred date range. Successful applicants may be contacted to discuss availability.

This Residency is generously supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and the Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF).

Please read the Application Guidelines before applying.

Apply now

Enquiries

If you have any questions about the Studio Residency Program, please contact the Abbotsford Convent Programming Team.

E: programming@abbotsfordconvent.com.au

Previous residents

Luke George (2018)
Minna Gilligan (2018)
Leisa Shelton (2019)
Acacia Christensen (2019)
Hayley Tanzer (2020)
Hellen Sky (2021)
Jacob Boehme (2021)
Jo Lloyd (2022-23)
Lisa Anderson (2024)
Louise Marson (2024)

Testimonials

“As an Artist in Residence with ACF, I have been offered the key elements of all artistic practice which have enabled and strengthened both my practice and my resilience as an artist. SPACE within which to house and hold my work, SUPPORT to continue to build the courage to continue to make work in these demanding times and CONFIDENCE in my current projects and my place as an artist here in Australia.”
– Leisa Shelton

“My residency at the Convent gave me unprecedented freedom in my creative practice. The program was incredibly encouraging and flexible in terms of my creative outcomes, and providing spaces with which I could create.
While COVID-19 restrictions meant I couldn’t complete my intended activity, I was able to develop and film several video works within the space that ensured my creative practice could continue during an incredibly challenging time.
The staff’s continued support surrounding the eventual delivery of my main project goes above and beyond what I could ever have expected.I cherish my relationship with the Convent and it definitely made me feel a sense of support and community at a time I needed it most.”
– Tanzer

“Having the opportunity to be the artist-in-residence at the Abbotsford Convent has allowed me to widely expand what my arts practice looks like.
This unique chance to have a large and dedicated, hands-on support network within the Convent itself while being able to keep my time there self-directed is something that I haven’t had access to with other programs in the past.
Going forward, this residency has given me some new skill sets and a different approach to how I produce and curate large-scale work and continue to adapt my art to fit different spaces than the norm. I’m looking forward to continuing to make art with the Convent.”
– Acacia Christensen

Other Residencies

Writer’s Residencies
[Applications for 2025 are now closed.]

ACF Writers Studio Residencies – 4 residencies at 12 weeks each
Honorarium: $2,000 each

For writers of any age and at any stage of their development.

Successful applicants will receive:

A dedicated studio space (12 weeks) with 24/7 access
An Honorarium of $2,000
Support and mentoring from ACF staff and Convent tenants
Discounted Venue Hire and car parking
Marketing that promotes the Residency and activities

Circa