Debra Porch Award: Visual Arts Residency (Australia & Thailand)

Creative Australia has committed to a three year (2024 – 2026) trilateral partnership with SAC Gallery, Bangkok and UNSW Galleries, Sydney with the support of the Debra Porch Award. Each gallery will host two artists each year; an Australian artist and a Thai artist, to undertake a visual arts residency.

Artist Debra Porch’s practice focused on memory, mortality and the relationship between presence and absence. Working and teaching during art residencies she undertook in their neighbouring regions became vital in her art, work and life.

In honour of  Debra Porch’s  life’s work, this  award will continue to be reciprocal in nature, to ensure long term engagement and strengthen strong intercultural connections across the Asia Pacific region.

An Australian visual artist will be awarded a grant for a supported residency at SAC Gallery in Bangkok, Thailand. A Thai visual artist will also be awarded a reciprocal grant for a supported residency at UNSW Gallery Sydney, Australia.

The residency host organisations will introduce the artist to the local sector and assist with research and network building with relevant communities. The artist will also have the option to share an artist talk or participate in a public program at the end of the residency period.

Funding Information

• They are accepting applications from artists in Australia and Thailand. Creative Australia will support one Australian artist and one Thai artist to undertake the residency. The successful Thai recipient will receive a grant of $13,000 AUD to cover artist per diems, travel and insurance costs and living expenses. Accommodation and studio access will be provided by UNSW Galleries.
• The successful Australian recipient will receive $10,000 AUD to cover artist per diems, travel and insurance costs and living expenses and accommodation. Studio access will be provided by SAC Gallery Bangkok.
• The award amounts to the selected recipients reflect the average costs of living in the two respective cities.
• Host organisations will also provide curatorial care and support during the time of the residency. The minimum duration of each residency is 5 weeks.
• Additional support needs including any accessibility support; interpreting and childcare will be provided on a case-by-case basis. They encourage you to speak to them about any specific access needs or support you may require for ensuring you can equitably participate in this program.

Eligibility Criteria

• This program is designed for visual artists who work in an interdisciplinary and/or gallery context and who are:
  • Mid-career artists in Australia or Thailand. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country
  • have a visual arts and/or interdisciplinary practice with an interest in material exploration.
  • committed to a long-term engagement with Thailand, and vice versa.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.