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Creative artists are invited to interpret or respond to the Library’s public and behind-the-scenes interior spaces or our collections.
The Library’s Artist in Residence is a program aimed at connecting artists with the iconic buildings of the State Library of NSW and its rich collections. The program provides a three-month residency designed for artists to creatively respond to the physical spaces and/or interpret our collections. The program aims to create awareness of the Library’s collections and the role art can play in documenting life, society, buildings and landscapes in NSW.
Projects should demonstrate the applicant’s creative response to the Library’s buildings, spaces or collections. Works may be developed in the artist’s preferred medium; however, restrictions apply when using collection materials and in certain Library spaces, in accordance with Library policies.
The Artist in Residence program is designed to assist creative practitioners and artists to practice/exhibit their artistic format. Applicants should be professional practising artists who are at any stage of their career. Applicants must be able to demonstrate previous work and a capability to communicate their artwork to a general audience.
Applicants should provide information about any association with a gallery or cultural institution in their attached CV. Applicants should also outline any scholarships and grants that will operate concurrently with this residency.
The Library can also discuss residencies directly with artists, provided that they can supply the relevant documentation outlined under How do I apply?
Residents will enjoy access to the Library’s Fellows Room and behind-the-scenes access to our buildings and collections.
Artists will receive:
Please note that this is an unpaid opportunity.
The Artist in Residence program is not automatically acquisitive, but the Library would like the opportunity to acquire works created during the residency should the work fall within the parameters of the Library’s Collection Development Policy.
The Artist in Residence will be required to:
The artist retains copyright of their own artistic works created during the residency with the non-exclusive exception of the use of images of works by the Library for its promotional purposes.
Two positions will be offered each calendar year. There is flexibility for the timeframe for the residency, but this should not extend longer than three months.
Applications will be received at any time during the year and scheduled by negotiation. Applications are submitted online and must include:
The Library’s Executive, or its delegate, confirms final selection for these residencies.
Wendy Sharpe took inspiration from the panoramic views from the Mitchell Library rooftop and captured our buildings in a period of transition during the Mitchell Galleries Project.
Joe Frost focused on the Library as a social space and also found inspiration in the Library’s collections.
John Bokor focused on capturing the historic Mitchell Library Reading Rooms from the balconies.
For further information please contact Scholarship:
Phone: 02 9273 1765
Email: scholarship@sl.nsw.gov.au