The Bluestone at Little River Railway Station
Summer Art residencies
River St, Little River
Wadawurrung Country
Wyndham Arts & Culture are excited to announce a new artist-in-residence program at The Bluestone at Little River Railway Station.
The art residencies provide two artists with free access to a workspace over 12 weeks and a $3000 fee.
The artist residencies have been designed to offer a space to develop work and to expand creative practice. Considering the unique location of Little River situated close to the You Yangs Regional Park there is potential for site-responsive work. An outcome or presentation will be supported at the end of the residency.
The Little River Railway Station is one of Victoria’s remaining original train stations. The bluestone building – once a ticket office and waiting room, was unused for many years. In 2017, local community members from Little River raised funds for its restoration and revival. Although works are not complete, the interior spaces are now restored and accessible for use. The summer residencies program is anticipated to reactivate the bluestone building through creative activation.
Assessment Criteria
Applicants will be assessed on:
- Demonstrated quality of artistic practice
- Intentions of residency
- Response to site
- 18 years old +
The Bluestone at Little River Railway Station program will provide
- 12 weeks access to free space for an artist (Late October – January)
- Provide advice and support whilst in residency.
- A fee of $3000
Expectations for successful artists
- Commitment to use space regularly over residency
- An outcome or presentation to be held in Wyndham City after the residency concludes.
Contact chantal.Wynter@wyndham.vic.gov.au , Arts Program Officer or arts@wyndham.vic.gov.au for further information.
The working space and limitations
Two rooms in an open plan with shared entrance and access to toilets. Please note that there is no natural light, no heating and no wheelchair access. There is a toilet, power and lighting. The building is heritage listed.
Room 1 size - 5 x 7m
Room 2 size - 5 x 8m
Artistic Practice
Considering the limitations of building. Suitable practices include projection or digital media, Research based practiced (considering location, flora and fauna, historical angle), site responsive and music / rehearsal space.
Eligibility
- 18 years old +
- Practising artist or artist collective able to demonstrate body of work
- Hold an active ABN and bank account *
- Public Liability Insurance *
- Insurance for any equipment left onsite *
- Applicants must not be employees of Wyndham City Council
*Please note that these are not necessary at time of application but will need to be addressed if successful.
Key dates
| Date | Activity |
| 18 September | EOI goes live |
| 7 October | Information session |
| 18 October | EOI closes |
| 20 October | Selection panel |
| 22 October | Artists notified |
| 26 October | Residency commences |
| 31 January | Residency concludes |
| 6 or 7 February | Outcome - Workshop / Exhibition / Artist talk / concert |
Information sessions
An information session will take place on the 7 October between 11:30-12:30pm at The Bluestone at Little River Railway Station. This is a great opportunity to take a tour and speak with Wyndham Arts & Culture about the expression of interest process and residency. No RSVP required.
Address:River Street, Little River.
FAQs
What is the expected outcome of the residency?
The purpose of the residencies is for artists to develop work or experiment with new work. We ask at the end of the residency artists share their experience and practice with the public either as an artist talk or workshop.
What do l need to apply for the Expression of Interest?
- A brief overview of your intention over the residency. This could include your planned activity, research and development over the residency. (Please note that the overview is an indication only)
- Response to site (Why would you like to be an artist residency at The Bluestone at Little River Railway Station?)
- A biography along with a paragraph outlining your practice as an artist
- Samples of your practice that includes images/web links/ social handles (2MB)
Do l need Public Liability Insurance (not less than $20 million per single event) when applying for the expression of interest?
No, you do not require this at time of application although if successful, you would need to obtain them at your own expense. We are unable to provide advice on insurance providers.
What is the minimum amount of time per week expected of a residency?
The program is designed for artists to utilise the venue as much as possible. We understand that artists have other commitments. Previous artists have used the space 2-3 full days per week.