Back

North Sydney opens applications for Creative Spaces and Writer in Residence programs

North Sydney Council

The Creative Spaces Program supports artists and creatives to make, work, learn and engage with the wider North Sydney community on Cammeraygal Country. Each year, the program provides subsidised studio space for creative practitioners across several locations:

• Alfred Street Artists' Studios, Milsons Point
• Coal Loader Artist's Studio, Waverton
• Don Bank Museum, North Sydney
• Primrose Park Artists' Studios, Cremorne

 

Successful applicants receive access to subsidised studio space, professional development opportunities and the chance to share their work through artist talks, workshops, performances, demonstrations, presentations and community projects.

First Nations Artist Residency

A key feature of the program is the dedicated First Nations Creative Residency, a fully subsidised opportunity for First Nations artists and collectives to develop new work, continue existing projects and engage with community on Cammeraygal Country. Based at the Alfred Street Artists' Studios, the residency includes dedicated cultural support from Cammeraygal Elder Auntie Jeanie Moran and ongoing creative mentorship throughout the year.

The Coal Loader Artist Residency

Applications are also open for the Coal Loader Artist Residency, a unique program based at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton. Situated within the heritage-listed former industrial site, the residency supports socially engaged and interdisciplinary creative practice with a focus on sustainability, environmental leadership, collective care and community participation. Public programs and activations delivered as part of the Coal Loader's popular Artisan Markets are a key component of the residency.

Don Bank Writer in Residence

Council is also seeking applications for the Don Bank Writer in Residence program, delivered in partnership with Writing NSW. The residency supports emerging and established writers by providing dedicated time and space to develop new work, as well as access to tuition, mentoring and professional publishing industry guidance.

Mayor Zoë Baker said the program helps ensure artists and creatives can continue to create, collaborate and contribute to community life in North Sydney.

"Creative practitioners play an important role in making North Sydney a vibrant, connected and culturally rich place to live," Mayor Baker said.

"By providing affordable creative spaces and professional opportunities, Council is helping artists and writers develop their work while creating valuable opportunities for the community to engage with local creativity and culture."

Catriona Pollard, a 2026 Primrose Park artist in residence, said having a dedicated artistic studio gave her time and space to be truly creative.

"The Primrose Park Artist Residency provides a wonderful environment for artists to immerse themselves in their practice. The location is exceptional, surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings that create a sense of calm, focus and connection to place," Pollard said.

"The length of the residency is particularly valuable. Having an extended period of dedicated studio time allows for the development of a detailed and considered project, rather than feeling pressured to produce work within a short timeframe. It provides the opportunity to experiment, reflect, refine and really immerse yourself in the creative process."

Beyond the residencies themselves, the Creative Spaces Program contributes to North Sydney's broader cultural life through initiatives launching in 2027. These include Creative Communities, a series of free artist-led workshops, demonstrations, performances and studio visits, and Creative Conversations, a bi-monthly program of curated talks inspired by the ideas, experiences and work of resident artists.

With affordable studio and creative work spaces becoming increasingly difficult to access across Sydney, North Sydney Council continues to invest in local creative production through its Creative Spaces Program. The program forms part of Council's commitment to increasing the number of places and spaces available for cultural participation and creative production.

 

Applications for the 2027 Creative Spaces and Don Bank Writer in Residence programs open on 6 October 2026 and close on 6 November 2026. Prospective applicants can learn more at an online information session on 27 October and by attending Open Studios on 31 October.

For more information and to apply: https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/arts/creatives-spaces-application-hub

Contact details:

[email protected]

0426 515 896