Organizer Information
Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) is an internationally recognised centre for contemporary tapestry, textile art, and collaborative artistic production, based in South Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1976, ATW has produced more than 500 tapestries through collaborations with Australian and international artists. Its studio combines professional tapestry weaving, a specialist Dye Lab, exhibitions, education, and public programming. The Artist in Residence program has operated for more than 20 years, allowing artists to work alongside professional weavers and dye technicians while developing their own practice.
Title & Description
ATW 2027 Artist in Residence Program
ATW 2027 Artist in Residence Program – First Peoples, Regional and Open Call Residencies offers mid-career artists the opportunity to develop their artistic practice within ATW’s professional weaving studio. The residency can support experimentation, research, or the development of a new body of work using ATW’s specialist resources.
Artists do not have to produce a tapestry as part of the residency. However, residents interested in tapestry can receive introductory training and work with ATW’s weavers or Dye Lab technicians. The program also encourages artists to engage with the public through exhibitions, workshops, talks, demonstrations, or other public programs.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Textile Art
- Tapestry
- Fiber Art
- Craft
- Multidisciplinary / Interdisciplinary Practice
- Other artistic media where the proposed project can meaningfully engage with ATW’s resources.
Eligibility
The 2027 program covered by this application form has three categories:
- First Peoples Residency: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists only.
- Open Call Residencies: Artists based in any Australian State or Territory. Two positions are available.
- Regional Residency: Artists currently living and working in regional Australia. Eligibility is determined using the 2019 Modified Monash Model; applicants must be outside a Metropolitan Area MM1.
The program is aimed at mid-career artists. Previous residency experience is not compulsory. ATW welcomes applications from culturally and linguistically diverse artists, people with disabilities, and artists living in regional or remote areas.
Call Type: National / Australia-based for the First Peoples, Open Call, and Regional residencies. The Open Call is not open to international artists living outside Australia.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Dedicated workspace within ATW’s weaving studio
- Access to looms, weaving equipment, and textile-construction tools
- Up to AUD $100 of ATW yarn and eligible post-production tapestry materials
- Up to 10 hours of specialist studio support
- Access to ATW’s online tapestry-weaving course
- Opportunity to exhibit and sell existing artwork in an ATW Artist in Residence Gallery
- Exhibition support including installation assistance, curatorial advice, invigilation, signage, sales, marketing, and an opening event
The First Peoples Residency and Regional Residency additionally provide AUD $2,500 to assist with accommodation and travel expenses through the Irene Davies Residency Scholarship. Open Call residents should expect to self-fund their residency, although ATW may provide limited assistance with external funding applications.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 October 2026
- Outcome Notification: Mid-November 2026
- First Peoples Residency: 1–28 February 2027
- Open Call Residencies: 13 September–9 October 2027
- Regional Residency: 8 November–4 December 2027
Location
Australian Tapestry Workshop, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Additional Details
The residency studio is located on ATW’s production floor and is visible to visitors during opening hours. Artists can work with specialist weavers or the Dye Lab, subject to staff availability. Additional specialised training or equipment may incur ATW’s standard fees. Artists are responsible for transporting artwork to and from ATW.
Applicants with substantial public-program experience may receive priority. ATW can also discuss alternative application methods, including video submissions, for applicants with access requirements.