Expressions of interest open for 2026–27 Tidal Exchange Aboriginal artist residencies

Arts OutWest and South East Arts are calling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual artists to apply for a crossregional artist residency program, Tidal Exchange. Applications close 5pm, Friday 5 June 2026.

Tidal Exchange is a new partnership between the two Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs), designed to strengthen cultural exchange, support artistic development, and build longterm creative networks between the Central West and Far South East regions of NSW. The program is funded in this first round through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) program.

“The Tidal Exchange carries artists between the Central West and South East Arts regions of NSW,” said South East Arts’ Kate Bradbury.

In 2026–27, two artists will be selected for paid residencies:

One artist from the South East Arts region will undertake a residency at The Squatter’s Cottage, Portland in Central West NSW.
One artist from the Arts OutWest region will undertake a residency at Narra Bukulla, near Tanja and Bermagui on the Far South Coast.

Each artist will receive a $3,000 stipend to support travel, materials, and living costs during their residency.

Participants will undertake a two to four week long residency and also deliver a community engagement activity, such as a workshop, open studio, or presentation.

“This exchange offers artists the time, space needed to deepen their practice,” said Kylie Shead, Executive Director, Arts OutWest.

“We’re excited to support artists in experiencing new landscapes, new communities, and new creative possibilities,” said Kate Bradbury, South East Arts.

Immersive creative environments

Narra Bukulla, located beside Mimosa Rocks National Park, south of Bermagui, provides artists with a large studio in a remote, bush setting. The artist’s workspace / studio at Narra Bukulla is peaceful with high ceilings, large, long walls and an open floor space with roller-door access. Rudimentary living quarters are nearby. Residencies are available June–September 2026 or January–June 2027. Pictured at Top

The Squatter’s Cottage in Portland is a characterfilled, largely unrenovated cottage within the historic Foundations Portland precinct, once home to a major cement works. The accommodation and studio space is a largely unrenovated, character-full basic cottage. The site has become a beloved retreat for artists seeking a raw, selfdirected creative environment. Residencies are available January–June 2027. Pictured Below