Organizer Information:
The Full Circle International Residency Award is a major new partnership between Orange Regional Gallery (Australia) and Messums | ORG (UK). Supported by Rowena Danziger in memory of Ken Coles, this initiative aims to foster cross-cultural exchange between the UK and Australia. Messums operates significant arts centers, including a restored 13th-century tithe barn in Wiltshire and a repurposed post office in Lowestoft, providing unique historical contexts for contemporary creation.Title & Description:
Fully Funded UK Residency for Australian Artists: Full Circle Award 2026
This award offers a unique residency, research, and exhibition opportunity specifically for mid-career Australian artists. The selected artist will participate in a fully funded six-week residency in the UK, split between two locations: Messums East (Lowestoft) and Messums West (Wiltshire). The award supports artists who engage with landscape, Country, or the environment to evolve their creative practice. The residency focuses on community engagement and social outreach, allowing the artist to explore local sites and integrate contemporary practice with the region's rich history. The program culminates in a major solo exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery the following year.Category:
Visual Arts (Open to all media including painting, drawing, photo media, moving image, etc.).Eligibility:
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Nationality: Open exclusively to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents currently based in Australia.
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Career Stage: Applicants must be mid-career artists with a track record of exhibitions and professional achievements.
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Practice: A significant percentage of the artist's practice must respond to or engage with the landscape or environment.
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Availability: Must be available for an uninterrupted 6-week residency between 1 September and 30 November 2026.
Program Benefits & Awards:
The award is valued at AUD $33,000 and includes:-
Travel: International flights and local travel.
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Support: Accommodation, studio space, art materials, and living expenses.
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Exhibition: A solo exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery in 2027, including an artist fee, curatorial support, and a publication.
Application Fee:
Free.Application Requirements:
Applicants are invited to submit a residency and project proposal via the application platform. This should outline proposed objectives, expected outcomes, and how the residency will benefit their practice.How to Apply?
Interested artists must register their interest via the official website link to receive updates, as the portal opens officially on 31 March 2026.Key Dates:
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Applications Open: 31 March 2026.
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Applications Close: 30 April 2026.
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Residency Period: September – October 2026.
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Exhibition Dates: September 2027.