2027 ARI in Residence

Working Tiles, group exhibition, 2024, Tiles Lewisham, Chris Burton, Mori, Marcus Dyer-Harrison, Andriana Carney, Astrid Bell, Mel Booth, Al Joel, Rachel Levine, Harrison Witsey, Kit-Wu Bylett, Eleni Ioakimidis, Zac Kotzur, & Zoe Baumgartner. photo: Jessica Maurer

Our ARI in Residence program is designed to support artists and arts workers contributing to their communities beyond their own studio practices.

successful applicants receive:

• ARIs will be in residence for 2 x exhibition periods

• ARIs will be issued $2,000 in curatorial fees ($1,000 per exhibition period) 

• Firstdraft will pay artist fees up to $7,500 ($750 per artist, max 5 artists per exhibition period) and statutory superannuation on behalf of the successful ARI directly to participating artists

• Interstate and regionally based artists and artists with access requirements may be entitled to additional financial support, subject to negotiation with Firstdraft

• Documentation of the projects

• Marketing and social media support

• Use of our space for events by negotiation and within agreed-upon scope/limitations

• Access to Firstdraft’s AV and equipment

• Professional Invigilation - however, ARIs are encouraged to think about how they can best make use of the space for the duration of their residency

Your Proposal

In a single PDF document, prepare the following (or use our template)
for a detailed overview download the program guide

• About your ARI: who is involved, website/social media, model and/or organisational structure, your physical space (if relevant), your approach to programming, any funding you receive, if you are currently able to pay artist fees, members’ time commitment to ARI operations 

• What are your ARI’s values, mission and/or purpose? (250 words max)

• What are your current program priorities or what are you working on at the moment? (250 words max)

• How might you use the Firstdraft space if you are successful (250 words max)

• How would this opportunity benefit your ARI right now? (250 words max)

• Examples of 3 - 5 previous projects

how to apply?

• Read the program guide

• Prepare all the information prior to commencing the application form

• The application form supports file uploads up to 10MB

• Complete the application form and enter any information or details requested about you or any collaborators/participants included in your proposal.

key dates

Callout opens
Wednesday 17th June 2026 10:00AM

Last day to request application support
 Friday 17th July 2026 by 5:00PM

Callout closes
Wednesday 22 July 11:59 pm

If you would like a simplified form, need support applying, or if you have a disability that requires adjustment to the application process or an alternative application pathway, please contact: info@firstdraft.org.au or phone: (02) 8970 2999 by 5:00pm 17th July 2026

Please note that our simplified form does not provide explanations or instructions. Be sure to read program guides carefully when applying.

helpful links