Council
17 April, 2026
Spotlight on creative residencies
MOYNE Shire Council is launching a new Creative Residencies program, activating selected council-owned spaces and increasing access to creative workspace across the shire.
The 12-month pilot delivers a key action of council’s arts and culture strategy and responds directly to strong feedback from community consultation.
Access to affordable and suitable creative workspaces was consistently identified as a priority by local artists and creative practitioners.
Creative Residencies is a non-residential program, providing artists with no-cost access to dedicated workspaces to develop projects independently, without the requirement to deliver a public outcome.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the initiative makes practical use of council facilities to support regional creative practice.
“During consultation on our arts and culture strategy, we heard loud and clear that access to space was a significant barrier for many creatives,” Cr Lockett said.
“This epic program is a direct response to that feedback and demonstrates our commitment to enabling creative practice across the shire by removing barriers and opening up opportunities for local creatives.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity to reimagine what’s possible within these buildings and support local creatives to flourish, while making sure the short-term spaces remain accessible for community use.”
The pilot program includes four sites, Killarney Pavilion, Montgomery Pavilion at Mortlake, Macarthur Depot, and Nullawaree Hall.
The program is funded through council’s existing arts and culture operational budget.
Mayor Lockett said the pilot was a practical and considered step forward.
“This pilot will let us assess demand, understand the impact on council operations, and refine the program before considering expanding it in future,” he said.
The program is open to artists and collaborators across disciplines, with priority given to Moyne based applicants.
Applications opened on Thursday, March 19, and will close on Sunday, April 19.
For more information and to apply, visit ww.moyne.vic.gov.au/Creative-Residencies or email creativemoyne@moyne.vic.gov.au
