2027 Artist Residency
Applications NOW OPEN!
George Kennedy, 2023 Artist Residency
The King Island Artist Residency offers professional artists between two to four weeks of creative time on King Island. The residency includes free accommodation and access to a vehicle and studio while on the island. Visiting artists are encouraged to participate in the rich cultural life of King Island and are encouraged to share their knowledge with the community through the offering of three community collaborations. The residency is available to artists at any career stage in any art form and offers an opportunity for them to further develop their practice while experiencing the unique environment, history and lifestyle and community of King Island. Select artists are invited to return to the island the following year to exhibition as part of the King Island Gallery’s Annual AiR Exhibition.
Applications for the 2027 Residencies are now open.
Please read the Applicant Information carefully before submitting your application. If you have any questions, please refer to the contact details provided in the Applicant Information.
Seeking Expressions of Interest
Seeking Expressions of Interest
EOI: Reciprocal Artist Residency Exchange Program with King Island, Tasmania
King Island Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from established artist residency programs interested in forming a reciprocal residency exchange program between our two communities.
This initiative aims to build a long-term partnership between King Island and another regional or distinctive community, expanding professional opportunities and skills development for local artists, while providing opportunity for knowledge sharing and deep creative exchange between the two communities.
We are open to a National or International exchange.
About the Program
The exchange would typically involve:
One visiting artist hosted on King Island (once annually)
One King Island artist hosted by the partner organisation (once annually)
Residencies of approximately 2–4 weeks
Equivalent levels of support provided by each partner
King Island Council will support visiting artists through:
Accommodation
Studio space next to the Currie Harbour
Vehicle for the duration
Local orientation and support
Connections with the local arts community
The program is designed to be collaborative and flexible, allowing for plenty of opportunity to shape the exchange to suit each partner.
Ideal Partner
About you
Have an established residency program or experience hosting artist residencies
Are located in a regional or distinctive community
Value community engagement and cultural exchange
Are interested in developing an ongoing partnership
Can host a King Island artist once annually on a reciprocal basis
Residency programs supporting visual arts, writing or multidisciplinary practice are all welcome.
Why Partner with King Island
King Island has a highly regarded artist residency program that attracts strong national interest. Our residencies typically receive more than 80 applications annually from across Australia, demonstrating both the quality of the program and the strong demand for opportunities in distinctive regional locations such as ours.
We offer supported residencies approximately 2–4 weeks, providing visiting artists time and space to focus on their creative practice, while connecting and sharing their knowledge and skills with the local community. Partnering organisations can expect a well-supported and professionally run residency experience.
Located in the wild waters of Bass Strait, King Island is known for its remote landscapes, dramatic coastlines and powerful sense of place. Artists are drawn to the island’s raw natural beauty, isolation and quiet working environment – making it an inspiring location for focused creative development.
Submitting an Expression of Interest
We invite residency providers and host organisations to submit a brief Expression of Interest including:
Overview of your residency program
Facilities and support offered
Typical residency duration
Location and setting
Website or supporting information
Contact details
Enquire
Please send enquiries, EOIs or feel free to contact for more details:
Murphy Summers, Community Development Manager, King Island Council
Land & Sea (video still), Gabrielle Nankivell and Harrison Elliott, 2022
Frequently asked questions
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Australian artists at any stage of their professional practice and representing a variety of artforms.
Artists will be expected to be independent, self-sufficient and prepared to readily engage with local artists and the community.
Residencies are suitable for a single artist and one other collaborator.
Unfortunately, residencies do not include partners, children or pets.
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Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves in the life of King Island, drawing inspiration from its people, landscapes and stories while sharing their skills, ideas and creative processes with the community.
As part of the residency, artists are required to deliver three community collaborations during their stay.
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The artist accommodation is fully self-contained, close to the town centre and within walking distance of the studio and King Island Gallery.
Internet access is available at the King Island Gallery, Town Hall and the studio-workshop.
2026 Artist Residencies
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Brock Q Piper
Artist
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Jody Graham
Artist
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Sal Cooper
Artist, Filmmaker
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Patricia Martin & Tina Curtis
Patricia Martin - Printmaker, Geologist
Tina Curis - Artist, Printmaker
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Katie Barron
Artist
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Rachael Treasure
Writer
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Schlomit Moria
Wood Sculptor, Chainsaw Carver
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Elizabeth Edmonds
Artist, Palaeoecologist
2024 Artist Residencies
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Julie Gough
Artist, Writer, Curator
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Emily Sheppard
Composer, Performer, Scientist
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Rachel Meyers
Musician, Composer, Musicologist
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Mel Robson
Ceramic Artist, Educator
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Anne Morrison
Artist
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Judith Klavins
Visual Artist
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Alana Hampton
Visual Artist, Educator
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Aviva Endean
Clarinetist, Composer, Sound Artist
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Sharon Peoples
2023 Artist Residencies
India Flint
Noelene Lucas
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https://noelenelucas.com/
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Julie Ryder
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http://www.julieryder.com.au/Julie_Ryder/About.html
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George Kennedy
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https://www.despard-gallery.com.au/george-kennedy/
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Michelle Cahill
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https://michellecahill.com/
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