Billilla Artists Studio Program: applications now open for 2025

Background

Council is now seeking high quality applications from people active in the arts sector, including artists, writers, composers, filmmakers, sculptors, performers, designers etc. to apply for the Billilla Artists Studio Program.

The Program offers free studio space to artists from Victoria and Bayside. The program supports artists from diverse practices and across career stages. Located on the grounds of the historic Billilla Gardens in Brighton, the program provides an opportunity for artists to connect with the Bayside community through public programs as well as develop their practice without the financial pressure of paying studio rent.

The vision of the Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategic Plan 2023-2027 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:

• Activate Billilla as a place for culture and creativity.

• Provide opportunities for local artists to develop their practice and contribute to programs. 

• Develop and deliver annual plan for cultural programs and events. 

This initiative also aligns with Bayside’s Community Vision 2050 of ‘Nurturing Creativity’, and creating an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. This includes establishing formal and informal spaces that foster creative endeavours, promote celebration and bring people together in creative pursuits 

Council has embarked on a staged, long term program of restoration and activation of Billilla Mansion. The program includes a series of considered heritage and amenity upgrades to create accessible, engaging and well-maintained spaces for the community to enjoy in the future. There maybe works conducted on site during the 2025 Studio Program, including the upgrading of the outdoor amenities. 

Apply for the 2025 Billilla Artists Studio Program

About

Five out buildings at the rear of the historical Billilla Mansion have been converted into basic studios with access from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. The 2025 Studio Program will be a 11 month tenure due to refurbishment work being undertaken in 2024 – 2025. Successful artists will enter into a lease agreement with Council for the period of the tenancy. 

While the workspaces are fit for purpose there is no heating/air-conditioning and there is limited insulation against heat and cold; all studios have power and lighting. 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. 

Beckett Studio (named after tonalist painter, Clarice Beckett)

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.

Grainger Studio (named after composer and artist, Percy Grainger)

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.

Marshall Studio (named after writer, Alan Marshall)

Dimensions 3.5 m x 3.5m. Most suited to writers and/or playwrights as has no running water or sink.

Parr Studio (named after sculptor, Lenton Parr) 

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.

Tayler Studio (named after architect, Lloyd Tayler)

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.

Qualifying requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements before being eligible to be considered for a studio:

• Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in their related practice/field; 

• Currently active in the arts sector [i.e. your CV must display evidence of the currency of your practice, for example, recent exhibitions, performances, published writing etc.];

• Art form is suitable for the studio placement;

A commitment to engaging in a public program or community engagement activity during the year. As part of the application process you will be required to submit your idea for a public program or community engagement activity. Previous artists have delivered workshops, talks, studio visits (including talks to students), concerts etc. Please note public engagement is not paid. This opportunity serves as a way to give back in return for free studio space

Assessment criteria

If eligible, applications will be considered against the following assessment criteria:

• Quality of the artist’s practice ability to stimulate and engage; demonstrate a creative approach and high level of technical competency;

• Use of the studio space – it is important for Council that the spaces are used on a regular basis;

• Public engagement proposal – quality of the activity/program being offered and consideration of your audience in relation to your practice. The Activation Officer, Arts and Culture, will support the delivery of the public program/activity.

Bayside Local Artists 

• A minimum of 2 studio spaces have been set aside for Bayside residents who meet the qualification requirements. Scores against the assessment criteria will determine the allocation of these spaces to local artists.

To apply

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: 

• Evidence of quality of artistic practice

• Overall expected benefits for the community through public engagement

• Alignment with Bayside Arts, Culture and Libraries Strategic Plan 2023-2027

• Ability to increase activation of the studio space 

Applications will be processed for eligibility by the Arts Administration Officer. If eligible, applications will then be assessed by Council Officers against the criteria and a short-list of 5 artists will be referred to the Arts and Culture Coordinator.

The Arts and Culture Coordinator will recommend the short listed artists to Council for their approval.

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application as soon as Council has approved the recommendation which will be after the 14 December 2024 Council Meeting.

Successful applicants will be invited to the Bayside Gallery to celebrate their success at an appropriate event.

Applications close Sunday 20 October 2024. 

Apply for the 2025 Billilla Artists Studio Program