Entries open for Billilla Artists Studio Program (Australia)

The Program offers free studio space to artists from Victoria and Bayside. The program supports artists from diverse practices and across career stages. Located on the grounds of the historic Billilla Gardens in Brighton, the program provides an opportunity for artists to connect with the Bayside community through public programs as well as develop their practice without the financial pressure of paying studio rent.

The vision of the Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is for Bayside City Council to offer inspiring, creative, artistic and cultural experiences for its community and visitors to enjoy. The Billilla Artists Studio Program supports Council’s strategic vision to:

• Activate Billilla as a place for culture and creativity.
• Provide opportunities for local artists to develop their practice and contribute to programs.
• Develop and deliver annual plan for cultural programs and events.

This initiative also aligns with Bayside’s Community Vision 2050 of ‘Nurturing Creativity’, and creating an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. This includes establishing formal and informal spaces that foster creative endeavours, promote celebration and bring people together in creative pursuits

The Council has embarked on a staged, long term program of restoration and activation of Billilla Mansion. The program includes a series of considered heritage and amenity upgrades to create accessible, engaging and well-maintained spaces for the community to enjoy in the future. There maybe works conducted on site during the 2025 Studio Program, including the upgrading of the outdoor amenities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following requirements before being eligible to be considered for a studio:
  • Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in their related practice/field;
  • Currently active in the arts sector [i.e. your CV must display evidence of the currency of your practice, for example, recent exhibitions, performances, published writing etc.];
  • Art form is suitable for the studio placement;
  • A commitment to engaging in a public program or community engagement activity during the year. As part of the application process you will be required to submit your idea for a public program or community engagement activity. Previous artists have delivered workshops, talks, studio visits (including talks to students), concerts etc. Please note public engagement is not paid. This opportunity serves as a way to give back in return for free studio space.

Assessment Criteria

• If eligible, applications will be considered against the following assessment criteria:
  • Quality of the artist’s practice ability to stimulate and engage; demonstrate a creative approach and high level of technical competency;
  • Use of the studio space – it is important for Council that the spaces are used on a regular basis;
  • Public engagement proposal – quality of the activity/program being offered and consideration of your audience in relation to your practice. The Activation Officer, Arts and Culture, will support the delivery of the public program/activity.
  • Bayside Local Artists:
    • A minimum of 2 studio spaces have been set aside for Bayside residents who meet the qualification requirements. Scores against the assessment criteria will determine the allocation of these spaces to local artists.

Application Requirements

• Applicants are asked to complete all sections of the form and where indicated present additional information as requested.
• Non-complying and incomplete applications will be rejected. Applications will be evaluated against the Assessment Criteria and assessed by Council officers using a point scoring system based on:
  • Evidence of quality of artistic practice
  • Overall expected benefits for the community through public engagement
  • Alignment with Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategic Plan 2023-2027
  • Ability to increase activation of the studio space
• Applications will be processed for eligibility by the Arts Administration Officer. If eligible, applications will then be assessed by Council Officers against the criteria and a short-list of 5 artists will be referred to the Arts and Culture Coordinator.
• The Arts and Culture Coordinator will recommend the short listed artists to Council for their approval.

For more information, visit Bayside City Council.