First Nations Art Residencies

This emerging-artist residency is hosted by Koling wada-ngal Aboriginal Corporation at the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre.

This residency supports emerging First Nations artists (or collectives) to test ideas, experiment, and further their art practice in a culturally safe environment, with access to studio space, mentoring and community connection.

The residency runs from early May to July 2026, with some flexibility on timing.

The artist fee is $3,000, paid on commencement.

This residency stream is open to emerging First Nations artists who live, work or have a demonstrable connection to the Wyndham area.

Learn more and apply 

Wyndham Arts and Culture invites applications from mid-career First Nations artists (or collectives) to undertake a site-informed residency at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

This residency offers the opportunity to develop new work informed by a distinctive landscape and place, spanning Bunurong and Wadawurrung Country and the Werribee Yalok (Werribee River).

The artist in residence will have free access to all public areas of the zoo, with the opportunity to explore additional areas in conversation with Zoos Victoria staff.

The residency runs from early May to July 2026, with some flexibility on timing.

$5,000 is paid to the artist in two instalments: $3,000 on commencement and $2,000 on submission of a concept development report. A public presentation of the work is required as part of the residency - this could take many forms.

This residency stream is open to mid-career First Nations artists based anywhere in Victoria.

Learn more and apply

I've been an artist in residence at Wunggurrwil Dhurrung previously. Can I apply again? Previous residents of Wunggurrwil Dhurrung are not eligible to apply for Stream 1 again, but are welcome to apply for Stream 2 at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Can I apply for both streams? Yes. The two residency streams have separate EOIs and separate selection processes. You are welcome to apply for both, but you can only be selected for one residency.

What is the difference between the two streams? Stream 1 (Wunggurrwil Dhurrung) is for emerging First Nations artists with a connection to the Wyndham area. Stream 2 (Werribee Open Range Zoo) is for mid-career First Nations artists with a minimum of five years of active practice, open to artists based anywhere in Victoria.

Do I need to be based in Wyndham? For Stream 1 (Wunggurrwil Dhurrung), applicants need to live, work or have a demonstrable connection to the Wyndham area - this will be assessed as part of your application. For Stream 2 (Werribee Open Range Zoo), applications are open to First Nations artists based anywhere in Victoria.

Why are the fees for each residency different? The Stream 2 fee of $5,000 is all-inclusive of a production budget to support your public outcome. The Stream 1 fee of $3,000 is an artist fee only.

What are the start and finish dates? Both residencies are expected to commence in early May 2026, with finish dates negotiated with the successful applicant.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact Steven Rhall, First Nations Creative Arts Officer: steven.rhall@wyndham.vic.gov.au or 03 8353 4048.

Residency: Wunggurrwil Dhurrung (2025-2026)

Rebecca Robinson is trawlwoolway and Bunurong Boonwurrung, from her dad’s bloodline and Anglo-Australian from both parents. She is an emerging multidisciplinary artist that explores themes of family history, both loss of and connection to Culture, and identity. Rebecca is inspired by cultural living sites, natural objects and materials, plants and other First Nations artists. Her printmaking, textile and clay works have been exhibited in group exhibitions nationally and in Victorian galleries.

Having recently studied horticulture, Rebecca is hoping to see more projects that enable First Nations communities to have better access to their original foods and medicine. She hopes her future artwork can showcase these plants and prompt conversation about the importance of mob’s connection to plant kin, foods and medicine and the need to care for Country.

Rebecca has enjoyed many years working as an arts and Culture workshop facilitator and is passionate about how healing creative processes can be. She enjoys connecting with mob this way, knowing that strength and pride of identity can be found through good yarns, art and sharing Culture together. 

Residency: Wunggurrwil Dhurrung (2025)

Tarsha Davis is a Kuku Yalanji and Palawa multidisciplinary artist working across painting, digital art, weaving, jewellery, and textiles. Her practice is grounded in story and explores relationships between identity, place, and making. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, she creates bold, layered narratives. 

Alongside her creative work, Tarsha has contributed to the arts, community, and justice sectors, delivering and managing programs that support wellbeing and access to services. This extends into her design practice, with commissioned works licensed for Our Watch’s Reconciliation Action Plan, Ovarian Cancer Australia branding, the Write Yes campaign and First Nations Justice Team branding at GetUp! 

Her work has been exhibited at Linden New Art, Koorie Heritage Trust, and Aboriginal Exhibitions Rutherglen, with pieces held in private and public collections. She was awarded the RMIT Emerging Artist Award (11th Koorie Art Show) and selected for the 2024 Blak Design Program, continuing to refine her practice at the intersection of art, design, sustainability, and advocacy. 

Tarsha is interested in how materials hold meaning and memory—how they are transformed, reused, or discarded. As her practice evolves, she is exploring how sustainability and storytelling can shift perspectives on consumption and value. 

Portfolio: https://tarsharosina87.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: @tarsha_davis_

Residency: Wunggurrwil Dhurrung (2024-2025)

Tamay Beam is an Aboriginal Minjungbal woman from Booningbah, Fingal NSW of the Bundjalung Nation; Saltwater Coastal traditional landowners.

Tamay is a multidisciplinary artist and has been practicing various art forms and her Cultural Aboriginal Art for over 10 years both on a progressional and personal scale. Tamay Beam Art has artwork and products available in several galleries and stores across NSW, QLD and VIC, PLUS designs on fabric in SPOTLIGHT Stores across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. 

Tamay Beam Art consists of Contemporary Aboriginal Artworks and products; all designs and artworks created by Tamay Beam. Tamay Beam Art is 100% proudly Aboriginal owned and operated. 

https://tamaybeam.com/