R|Artist Residency

Now Open

May - October 2026

R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies, Sunshine Coast offers mid-career to senior artists residing in the Sunshine Coast LGA with the opportunity to create new work inspired by the natural environment of the region with a focus on integrating new technologies.

This residency is ideal for artists working at the intersection of art, technology, and the environment, particularly those exploring how creative practice can contribute to ecological conservation, regeneration, and community engagement.

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About

Over the course of five months, the resident artist will develop a new project centered on the Sunshine Coast region. Through SCCA’s partnership with UniSC, the artist will have access to UniSC's state-of-the-art resources, including:

  • The Maker Space, Queensland’s first MIT-accredited Fab Lab, ideal for prototyping and digital fabrication.

  • CAVE2, an advanced visualisation tool enabling immersive experiences with visual and audio content.

  • The Creative Ecologies Research Cluster (CERC), a global network of researchers and practitioners fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

In addition, the artist will receive:

  • $5,000 artist fee

  • $1,500 towards production materials.

The residency is designed to encourage experimentation with new technologies and is supported by UniSC’s technical and academic staff. Access to resources and expertise will be tailored to the artist’s project and needs. This is not a studio-based residency, and on-site presence at UniSC is flexible.

Public Engagement Opportunities

The artist will engage with the community through a work-in-progress presentation or final showing. The format will be negotiated with the artist to best suit the project.

This residency emphasises using technology to connect with audiences in innovative ways while advancing ecological awareness and stewardship.

Application Process

R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies is assessed by a panel.

Applications close Wednesday, 15 April 2025 at 12noon.

Applications must include:

  • Completed application form

  • 2 page artist CV

  • Examples of previous work provided as a PDF.

What are we looking for?

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria →

Merit
The vision of the project concept and the capacity of the artist to realise this concept and engage creative specialists and collaborators.

Clarity
The application demonstrates a clear process for delivering the project and an understanding of how they can use the resources available through the residency to evolve or extend their practice.

Impact
Potential for the residency to impact the artist’s practice and their capacity to engage audiences in new ways.

Program fit
Project alignment with the level of resources and support on offer.

R| Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies is presented by SCCA through The Refinery in partnership with the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC.

Supported by Major Partners by Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program.

Ready To Apply?

Apply Now

FAQs

  • The Creative Ecologies Research Cluster (CERC) explores the intersection of creative practice, health, well-being, and emerging technologies through place-based innovation. Situated uniquely with three adjacent biosphere reserves, CERC adopts an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach led by globally engaged practitioners. The research focuses on complex societal challenges using sustainable, culturally sensitive methodologies that respect Indigenous protocols, guided by a First Nations Advisory Group. CERC fosters partnerships with industry and community to address local challenges with global impact. It aims to establish UniSC as a leading centre for creative practice research, promoting interdisciplinary work that benefits communities.

  • Merit
    The vision of the project concept and the capacity of the artist to realise this concept and engage creative specialists and collaborators.

    Clarity
    The application demonstrates a clear process for delivering the project and an understanding of how they can use the resources available through the residency to evolve or extend their practice.

    Impact
    Potential for the residency to impact the artist’s practice and their capacity to engage audiences in new ways.

    Program fit
    Project alignment with the level of resources and support on offer.

  • Yes, to apply you need to reside in the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area (LGA).

Have a Question about this program?

We are here to help!

Email us at hello@therefinerysunshinecoast.com or fill out the contact form →