BR Whiting Studio Residency for Australian Writers in Rome

The Studio is an apartment in the Roman neighbourhood of Trastevere. It was given to Creative Australia by Lorri Whiting, an Australian abstract painter who was embraced by the Italian art scene. She spent many years living in Rome and exhibited in prestigious galleries across Italy, the UK and New York.  She established the BR Whiting Studio as a gift to Creative Australia in honour of her late husband,  the writer B.R ‘Bertie’ Whiting. The residency was originally established for the benefit of Australian poets and poets are encouraged to apply for the residency.

Rome is a city rich in history, culture and religion. There are many opportunities for a writer to connect with bookshops, literary societies, universities, academics and translators. Residents are encouraged to make contacts prior to the commencement of their residency. Several previous residents have organised readings through universities and institutions such as the Keats Shelley House.

Funding Information

• There are four residencies on offer of varying duration: two x one month (with $5,000 support), one x three months (with $12,500 support), and one x six months (with $25,000 support).

Who can apply?

• Only individuals may apply to this category.
• You must be a practicing artist or arts worker and an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.

Who cannot apply?

• You cannot apply if:
  • You received a grant, or administered a grant, from Creative Australia in the past and that grant has not been satisfactorily acquitted.
  • You owe money to Creative Australia.
  • They will not accept applications from legally constituted organisations.

Assessment Criteria

• Applicants must address the following assessment criteria:
  • Artistic merit
    • suitability of your practice to the residency program and its artistic environment/offer.
    • quality of work previously produced, and public and peer response to your work.
  • Viability
    • suitability of your proposal to the residency program.
    • the skills and artistic ability of your collaborators (if applicable) and their relevance to the proposed activity.
    • realistic and achievable planning, resource use and evaluation.
  • Impact on career
    • how the proposed activity strengthens your artistic practice.
    • the relevance and timeliness of the proposed activity.
    • how the proposed activity strengthens your capacity as an arts professional, particularly in relation to international development and collaboration.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.