Artists in Residence Program

The City of Greater Dandenong’s Artist in Residence (AiR) Program offers creators a dedicated space to decompress from their daily routines and dive deep into their practice. Whether researching, developing new ideas, or producing fresh work, artists benefit from structured support and creative freedom.

Past residencies have embraced a wide spectrum of disciplines, including immersive sound, multi-sensory experiences, and nature-inspired installations.

Please email us at arts@cgd.vic.gov.au to find out more.

Residencies are available for research and development or for the creation of new work and are offered individually or in groups.

Past Residences and Remote Residencies (rAiR)

2020 Atmospherics: A Sound Based Residency

Dave Thomson (practicing as Lost Few), the selected artist for Atmospherics: A Sound Based Residency. Dave’s interdisciplinary approach looks at building visceral sensory experiences in sound light, scent and vision.

The residency responded to the environment in and around Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, with Dave developing an accessible sensory experience that celebrates local flora and fauna while also providing solace and mental wellbeing through natural sound.

Follow Dave’s residency progress and find out more about him at @lostfew on Instagram.

Luciano is interested in the embedded history of found, recycled and passed down material. Seeking to intertwine the stories, symbolism and memories of these items into new forms, Luciano’s practice explores aspects of human nature and the differing experiences of living.

During his residency, Luciano will use lace to explore stories of everyday life and the importance of crafts to cultural connection, tradition and entertainment during this period of isolation and social distancing.

Follow Luciano on www.lucianoart.ist/studio or @lucianoart.ist on Instagram

Julia Higgs is a visual artist who practice uses found objects, the body, space and ephemeral materials. Combining different techniques and materials together, Higgs uses the aesthetic of line, pattern and form found in nature.

During her residency, Julia will collect items found on her daily walks and respond to them in her studio using a variety of techniques and materials.

Follow Julia on @lauren44511_art on Instagram

Bianca Gannon creates multi-sensory, immersive, music experiences. Motivated by that which connects us, Gannon will use her residency to compose a piece of music titled, “Cocoon”.

It is designed to be a metamorphosis with listeners being transformed and reborn.

Follow Bianca on www.biancagannon.com/ or @bianca_gannon_music on Instagram

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