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:  

Taylor Stevens, Community Development Manager, King Island Council 

Tstevens@kingisland.tas.gov.au

Artist Residency

George Kennedy, 2023 Artist Residency

The King Island Artist Residency offers professional artists between two to five 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 invited to participate in the rich cultural life of King Island and are encouraged to share their knowledge with the community through the offering of a workshops or other event. 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 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 2026 Residencies closed 1 October 2025. To learn more about how to apply next year visit the King Island Council Webpage here

Land & Sea (video still), Gabrielle Nankivell and Harrison Elliott, 2022

Frequently asked questions

  • Tasmanian and national 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.

  • Artists are not expected to deliver an artistic outcome. The focus for the residency is to give artists unhindered time and space away from their usual environment.

    Unfortunately, the residency does not include children or partners.

  • 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

  • Brock Q Piper

    Artist

  • Jody Graham

    Artist

  • Sal Cooper

    Artist, Filmmaker

  • Patricia Martin & Tina Curtis

    Patricia Martin - Printmaker, Geologist

    Tina Curis - Artist, Printmaker

  • Katie Barron

    Artist

  • Rachael Treasure

    Writer

  • Schlomit Moria

    Wood Sculptor, Chainsaw Carver

  • Elizabeth Edmonds

    Artist, Palaeoecologist

2024 Artist Residencies

  • Julie Gough

    Artist, Writer, Curator

  • Emily Sheppard

    Composer, Performer, Scientist

  • Rachel Meyers

    Musician, Composer, Musicologist

  • Mel Robson

    Ceramic Artist, Educator

  • Anne Morrison

    Artist

  • Judith Klavins

    Visual Artist

  • Alana Hampton

    Visual Artist, Educator

  • Aviva Endean

    Clarinetist, Composer, Sound Artist

  • Sharon Peoples

2023 Artist Residencies

India Flint

Noelene Lucas

  • https://noelenelucas.com/

Julie Ryder

  • http://www.julieryder.com.au/Julie_Ryder/About.html

George Kennedy

  • https://www.despard-gallery.com.au/george-kennedy/

Michelle Cahill

  • https://michellecahill.com/