The First Nations Artist Residency offers a unique opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to nurture their studio practice, establish connections with peers and industry mentors, and curate a major exhibition for NAIDOC Week 2027.

2026/2027 First Nations Artist Residency

Thank you for your interest in The Creator Incubator's First Nations Artist Residency. This 12-month residency offers a unique opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to develop their studio practice, build industry connections, and curate a major exhibition for NAIDOC Week 2027. The residency is open to emerging and early career artists, including current students.

A shortlist of applicants will be selected by a panel of three judges. From this shortlist, one (1) artist will be awarded the 2026–2027 First Nations Artist Residency, which includes a rent-free studio space for 12 months and the opportunity to curate the following year's NAIDOC Week exhibition.

Please complete the form below to apply. Applications close Friday, 19 June 2026.

Important Dates

• Applications Close: Midnight, Friday 19th June

• Shortlisted Artists Notified: Sunday 28 June

• Shortlisted Artists Interviews: 29th – 8th July

• Announcement of Award Recipient: 6:30pm, Saturday 11th July

• Studio Residency Duration: 1st August, 2026 – 31st July, 2027

• End of Residency Exhibition: NAIDOC Week, 2027

Eligibility and Expectations

The First Nations Artist Residency is open exclusively to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists. Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Applicant Details

How Will the Residency Benefit You?

Artist CV

CURRENT WORK

Please upload five (5) images that communicate your previous work. A short video may also be included. Maximum file size for each image 2MB.

File Name: Each file should include your full name and accompanying image details (e.g. MarySmith-Title-Year-Materials.jpg).

Residency Details

The successful recipient will receive:

• A 12-month rent-free studio at The Creator Incubator.

• The opportunity to curate an exhibition for NAIDOC Week 2027.

• Ongoing collaboration and skill-sharing with 55 resident professional artists.

• Access to a supportive and vibrant artistic community.

• Valuable exposure to galleries, curators, and industry mentors.

Applicants must:

• Commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week of studio practice.

• Curate a group exhibition featuring First Nations artists for NAIDOC Week 2027.

Important Information

• The First Nations Artist in Residence Award does not include accommodation.

• Applicants from outside the Hunter Valley are welcome, however, if successful, you will be expected to relocate to the region at your own expense.

• Current staff, current residents of The Creator Incubator, and previous recipients of the residency are not eligible to apply.

• Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.

• The residency is open to emerging and early career artists, including current students.

We acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Creator Incubator stands. We honour their elders both past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.