Abbotsford Convent is thrilled to announce the Maggie Maguire Residency in honour of Abbotsford Convent’s first CEO, Maggie Maguire OAM – this 10 year commitment has been made possible by a generous gift from The Patagorang Foundation, founded by Roger Allen AM and Maggie Gray.
The Abbotsford Convent Studio Residency, Maggie Maguire Residency, is for early career artists who have practised as a professional artist continually for less than 5 years. This inspirational gift will ensure this residency for early career artists continues at the Convent for 10 years.
Roger Allen AM and Maggie Gray are very proud to support this program through their charitable trust, The Patagorang Foundation, as it exemplifies social entrepreneurship particularly, in this case, for those starting their careers in the Arts. By naming this residency after the Convent’s first CEO Maggie Maguire OAM, Roger and Maggie are combining their passion for social development and the arts with acknowledgement of Maggie’s arts and cultural leadership. The Convent could not be prouder to announce this inspirational partnership and residency during our 20th anniversary year.
Roger Allen AM was on the original Board of the Abbotsford Convent and served as a Director for almost 10 years and is a successful entrepreneur and impact investor. His focus on scaling both for and not-for-profit businesses helped support Abbotsford Convent Foundation to become self-sustaining. Maggie Gray has extensive experience in Social Policy and Research through her time at the Brotherhood of St Laurence and at the Benevolent Society in Sydney. Both are Directors of Indigenous Capital Limited.
They note that “We have always been proud supporters of the Convent and the opportunity to target our support to the Convent’s Studio Residency program for 10 years will ensure that the Convent provides for people at the start of their careers in the arts and cultural sector. Naming this in honour of Maggie Maguire OAM, who worked so tirelessly to restore the place that now is home to an incredible tenant community, is a fitting acknowledgement of her leadership and legacy.”
Convent Artistic Director and CEO, Collette Brennan, said she was inspired by Roger and Maggie’s generosity and their targeted long-term support for the development of the artistic practice of early career artists and honouring the Convent’s first CEO (2006-2016), Maggie Maguire OAM.
“This extraordinary philanthropic gift, that we are so proud to announce as part of our 20th anniversary year, enables the Convent to offer early career artist studio residencies for 10 years. This vital support ensures early career artists have space, time, and support as they establish themselves and their practices as part of a vibrant creative community.
“It is fitting that the residency honours the ACF’s first CEO, Maggie Maguire OAM. Maggie did an extraordinary job restoring the Convent and building an incredible tenant community, now at 116 tenants, from the arts, cultural and creative industries, not for profits, education, wellbeing, and hospitality. Ensuring that creatives at the earliest stages of their careers are part of the Convent’s community is essential to the diversity and ongoing development of the arts and cultural sector more broadly.
“Maggie Maguire OAM has always been passionate about this. Seeing this Residency, named in her honour, is something we cherish and are so proud to acknowledge”.
About the Maggie Maguire Residency
Applicants for the 2024-2025 Maggie Maguire Residency are welcome to apply for one of two residency periods: July – December 2024 or January – June 2025.
The selected artist will receive:
- Six months free studio space (10m2 office carpeted space, located in the west wing on the second level of the Convent building at the ACF. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, power points, access to a wash-up sink, heating, shared kitchenette, bathrooms, shower and discounted car parking and venue hire).
- An honorarium of AUS $7,000 to be invested in the studio residency project.
- Access to Convent staff for support and mentoring.
- 24/7 studio access.
- Marketing and communications support to promote the artist’s studio residency and activities.
Applications for this residency opened on Friday 19 April.