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The extended application period has now closed. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application.
We have long been associated with the arts and have a rich cultural heritage. In keeping with this tradition, the Artists Studio Program was established in 2009.
The Billilla Artists Studio program offers free studio space for 9 months to artists from across Victoria and Bayside. The program supports artists from diverse practices and across career stages. Located in Brighton, the program provides an opportunity for artists to connect with local communities through public programs as well as develop their practice without the financial pressure of paying studio rent.
The vision of the Bayside Arts Strategic Plan 2018-2022 is for Bayside City Council to offer inspiring, creative, artistic and cultural experiences for its community and visitors to enjoy. The Billilla Artists Studio Program supports Council’s strategic vision to:
Council is now seeking high quality applications from people active in the arts sector, including artists, writers, composers, filmmakers, sculptors, performers, designers etc. Seven servant quarters at the rear of the historical Billilla Mansion have been converted into basic studios with access from 8am to 10pm seven days a week from 1 July 2020 to 9 March 2021.
The studios are all part of a heritage building and although refitted as workspaces there is no heating/air-conditioning and there is limited insulation against heat and cold; all studios have power and lighting. There is a portable wireless device situated in the old kitchen at the rear of the mansion which is accessible to all Billilla Studio artists but there is no WIFI access in the studios. Some of the studios take their name from prominent artists who lived and worked in the Bayside area.
The gardens surrounding the mansion are open to the public and the mansion is currently leased to a small private school.
This studio consists of 3 small adjoining rooms. The space measures 9m x 2.5m and includes a sink and running water. Suitable for painters working on a small to medium scale.
Dimensions 3.5 m x 3.5 m and includes a sink and running water. Suitable for composers and musicians and most types of practices excluding large scale work.
Dimensions 3.5 m x 3.5m. Most suited to writers and/or playwrights as has no running water or sink.
This studio is located within the footprint of the Mansion and includes permanent fixtures and equipment from the days of its original use. This studio measures 5m x 4m and has a sink and running water. Suitable for most types of practices excluding large scale work.
Dimensions 5.3m x 5.4m and includes use of the fenced yard making it suitable for large scale work. There is a sink and running water. Hot work is not permitted on site.
Dimensions 5.2m x 3.7 m including a small storage area. Located in a standalone building, has a sink and running water. Limited natural light but suitable for most practices including larger scale works.
This studio is attached to the mansion and is located upstairs on the first floor, it measures 5m x 4m. There is no sink and running water in the studio and access is through the kitchen area which is a common space on the ground floor.
Applicants must meet the following requirements before being eligible to be considered for a studio:
If eligible, applications will be considered against the following assessment criteria:
Applicants are asked to complete all sections of the form and where indicated present additional information as requested.
Non-complying and incomplete applications will be rejected. Applications will be evaluated against the Assessment Criteria and assessed by Council officers using a point scoring system based on:
Applications will be assessed for eligibility by the Arts Administration Officer. If eligible, applications will be assessed by the Curator/Team Leader Bayside Gallery and Education and Community Engagement Officer against the criteria and a short-list of 7 artists will be referred to the Arts and Culture Coordinator.
The Arts and Culture Coordinator will recommend the seven Billilla Studio artists to be approved by the Bayside Arts Board.
All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application.
Successful applicants will be invited to the Bayside Gallery to celebrate their success at an appropriate event.
Apply for Artists Studio Program