Creative and cultural residency – Vaucluse House

Applications for the program will open on 31 July 2025 and close on 14 September 2025.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Community benefit – how will the residency benefit the diverse communities of NSW?
• Suitability of practice – is your practice suitable for the studio space?
• Audience engagement experience – how have you engaged audiences with your practice in the past?
• Creative quality – how does your previous work demonstrate artistic and creative merit?

Other considerations for the selection panel include:

• Diversity of practice and applicants across four studio spaces
• Inclusion of emerging artists and established practitioners
• Connection with the site of Vaucluse House and the collections of Museums of History NSW

The Museums of History NSW selection panel has final discretion on the decision.

The residency is open to cultural practitioners, creatives and organisations, such as artists, writers and designers, at any stage of their career who are residents of NSW and aged over 18.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander practitioners, creatives and organisations are encouraged to apply.

Four individual residencies are available – one for each of the four studio spaces.

As part of your application, you may nominate your preferred studio; however, we are unable to guarantee that you will receive your preference.

We will provide access for applicants to view the studios at the following times before applications close:

• Monday 25 August, 10am to midday
• Thursday 4 September, 2pm to 4pm

Successful applicants will be notified by 10 October 2025 and must be able to commence the residency period by 31 October 2025, following the signing of a Creative Services Agreement outlining the terms of the program.

There is currently no wheelchair access to the studios. The site features uneven terrain and access to the studios is via a small set of stairs.

The individual studios are unfurnished. There are some basic furnishings in the common areas. You are welcome to bring your own furniture and materials to fit out your studio space as required. Any electrical items will need to be tested before use.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your assistance animal to the residency. Please advise us in advance so that we can let the other residents know.

Pets are not permitted at the residency.

Overnight accommodation is not permitted in the cottage. The cottage can be accessed 7 days a week throughout the residency period.

The caretaker’s cottage features a full kitchen which can be used to prepare meals. The onsite restaurant, Estate Vaucluse House, is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch.

There is a free onsite car park open from 9.30am to 4.30pm every day, except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.

There is no stipend for participating in the residency. There may be an opportunity to participate in public programs during the residency period. A fee will be paid for this participation.

No. You will need to provide all your own materials at your cost.

There is no commitment to a public exhibition of works developed as part of the residency; however, residents are required to participate in a studio open day and may have the opportunity to participate in public programs.