Make Scholarships Edge preferred on Google
The Farm 2027 Residency Program in Australia is a fully funded visual arts residency based in Margaret River, Western Australia. The program supports artists working in site-responsive practices, with a focus on environmental, ecological, agricultural, and cultural themes.
Applications are open to both Australian and international visual artists. The residency will run for 8 to 10 weeks between February and November 2027, with exact timing agreed between the selected artist and The Farm.
Applications close on 1 June 2026 at 5:00 PM (AWST).
WhatsApp ChannelAbout The Farm Margaret River Residency
Located on Wadandi Noongar Country in the south-west of Australia, The Farm Margaret River offers a rural, immersive environment designed for artists to develop new work in direct dialogue with the landscape.
The residency is built around the idea of site-responsive practice. This means artists are expected to engage with place not just as inspiration, but as a core part of the research and production process. The setting includes farmland, natural ecosystems, and a strong connection to local cultural and environmental contexts.
The program is intended for artists who are already working at a professional level and want space to expand or refine their practice through focused experimentation.
Also Check: UNESCO Wonju Literature Residency Program 2026 in South Korea
Funding and Benefits
Selected artists receive full financial and practical support during the residency period. The package includes:
- Artist fee of 15,000 AUD for living and project-related expenses
- On-site accommodation at The Farm Margaret River
- Dedicated studio or working space
- Return travel costs to and from Margaret River
- Professional documentation of the residency and outcomes
- Mentoring and research support during the program
- Introductions to local arts networks and organizations
- Opportunity to present work to a panel for additional funding consideration
- Community engagement event to share final work with local audiences
The structure is designed to allow artists to focus entirely on developing their work without external financial pressure.
Also Check: NATO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026
Artistic Focus and Expectations
The residency prioritizes artists working in the visual arts who are interested in the relationship between environment, land, and cultural systems.
Key themes include:
- Ecology and environmental change
- Agricultural landscapes and rural life
- Cultural heritage and place-based narratives
- Contemporary responses to land and sustainability
Applicants are expected to propose work that evolves through direct engagement with the site rather than pre-defined studio production.
A strong application usually demonstrates:
- A clear conceptual direction in visual practice
- Experience working with research-based or experimental approaches
- Ability to respond to new environments and conditions
- A consistent professional exhibition or project history
Also Check: EU Volunteer Programme 2026 in Europe
Eligibility Criteria of The Farm 2027 Residency Program in Australia
The program is open internationally, with the following requirements:
- Applicants must be individual visual artists (not collectives or organizations)
- Must be 18 years or older
- Open to both Australian and international applicants
- Must demonstrate a sustained professional artistic practice
- Ability to work independently within a self-directed residency structure
- Willingness to engage with land, environment, and site-specific research
A valid driver’s license is strongly recommended due to the rural location and limited transport options.
Also Check: Westlake University Summer School 2026 in China
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to complete an online application form and submit supporting materials.
Application Questions:
- Description of your artistic practice
- How your work engages with land, ecology, or place
- How the residency will support your artistic development
- Previous experience with residencies (if any)
Supporting Documents:
- Current CV
- One PDF portfolio (20–25 MB maximum)
The portfolio should include:
- Images of completed or in-progress works
- Exhibition documentation
- Video or audio links (embedded within the PDF)
- Publications, commissions, or collaborative projects
- Relevant projects from the past 10 years (preferred)
The selection panel evaluates consistency, conceptual strength, and the ability to develop work in context rather than technical presentation alone.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official The Farm Margaret River website.
Steps include:
- Review eligibility and residency guidelines
- Complete the online application form
- Upload CV and portfolio PDF
- Submit before the deadline
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Application Deadline
The final date to apply is:
1 June 2026 (5:00 PM AWST)
Why This Residency Matters
Artist residencies like The Farm Margaret River are increasingly focused on environmental engagement and place-based research. What sets this program apart is its combination of financial support, immersive rural setting, and emphasis on contemporary ecological themes.
For visual artists working internationally, it offers both time and context to develop work that responds directly to landscape and cultural environment, rather than working in isolation from it.
Conclusion
The Farm 2027 Residency Program is a competitive opportunity for professional visual artists seeking time, space, and funding to develop site-responsive work in one of Australia’s distinctive rural environments. Strong applications clearly connect artistic practice with environmental or conceptual research grounded in place.
