Organizer Information:
The Full Circle International Residency Award is presented through a partnership between Orange Regional Gallery (New South Wales, Australia) and Messums | ORG (UK). The UK residency takes place at Messums East, situated in The Old Post Office in Lowestoft—a refurbished arts complex on the most easterly point of the British Isles, offering dedicated research facilities and creative studios.
Title & Description:
Applications will soon open for the Full Circle International Residency Award.
This annual initiative supports one mid-career Australian artist based in NSW through a unique, fully funded 6-week research residency in the UK, culminating in a solo exhibition in Australia the following year. The program specifically champions visual artists whose practice responds to or engages with the landscape, Country, or the environment. Participants are encouraged to explore local sites, engage with the region’s rich environmental history, and connect with the Lowestoft community.
Category:
Visual Arts.
(Open to painting, sculpture, drawing, photo media, moving image, or other forms of visual expression).
Eligibility:
- Who: Mid-career visual artists. (Artists do not need to be represented by a commercial gallery).
- Scope: Applicants must be based in New South Wales, Australia (and be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident).
- Requirements: A significant percentage of the artist’s practice must engage with the landscape/environment. The artist must be available for an uninterrupted 6-week solo residency in the UK.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Total Value: $33,000 AUD.
- Residency Funding: Covers international flights, travel, accommodation, studio space, art materials, and living expenses.
- Exhibition: A fully supported 6-week solo exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery in 2027 (including curatorial support, an artist’s fee, and a printed publication).
Application Fee:
Free.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a brief residency and project proposal outlining their objectives, expected outcomes, and how the opportunity will benefit their practice. The proposal must demonstrate a willingness to engage with local communities and media in both the UK and Australia.
How to Apply?
Submit your application via the official online platform once the portal opens.
Key Dates:
- Applications Open: March 31, 2026.
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026.
- Notification: Early June 2026.
- Residency Dates: 6 weeks (scheduled between September 1 and November 30, 2026).
- Exhibition Dates: September – October 2027 (in Australia).
Location:
Lowestoft, United Kingdom (Residency) and Orange, NSW, Australia (Exhibition).