Melissa Ritchie was one of the artists involved in the Art In Unusual Places project. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Support for Illawarra artists has been strengthened with a series of initiatives set to contribute to the creative tapestry of Shellharbour, including artist residencies, public art projects – and even artist speed meets.
Shellharbour City Council is fostering creativity and community engagement with the three art-based initiatives, which includes the unique Artist Speed Networking Night.
To be held on 2 April at the Shellharbour Civic Centre, artists will be able to expand their networks and build valuable connections at the fast-paced networking event designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
Other programs include the Incubator Artist Residencies, with artists able to now apply for the program, which offers dedicated space, time, and resources to develop new work.
Additionally, the popular Art in Unexpected Places public art initiative will continue to bring creative works into unconventional spaces, ensuring art remains an accessible and integral part of daily life.
“Shellharbour City Council is proud to invest in our local artists and foster a thriving arts community,” Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.
“We want to ensure that artists have the support and space they need to bring their visions to life.”
Cr Homer said a strong arts sector drove cultural tourism, supported businesses, and enhanced community wellbeing — making the city a more inspiring place to live, work, and visit.
He said the free Artist Speed Networking Night was a fun networking event designed for artists to meet, exchange ideas and build valuable industry connections within the creative community.
Emerging or established artists were encouraged to bring along a piece of their artwork as a mini show-and-tell experience, along with taking part in a fast-paced, speed-dating style catchup engaging in a series of short, structured conversations with fellow artists.
Meanwhile, Cr Homer said expressions of interest (EOI) were open for the Incubator Artist Residency, where emerging artists had the opportunity to receive $5000 to spend on fees and materials and four weeks’ exclusive access to the Shellharbour Imaginarium in Shellharbour Village to cultivate new work, explore ideas and develop their practice.
He said resident artists were given the opportunity to present their final work to the public and would engage with the community during their residences through either a presentation, exhibition, workshop, artist talk, performance or open studio.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for local artists to immerse themselves in the community, be inspired and share their creative passions,’’ Cr Homer said.
The first residency runs from 4-31 August this year and the second residency runs from 7 April to 4 May in 2026, with applications closing 31 March.
Cr Homer said those with completed works could have their art considered for future mural projects in the Art in Unexpected Places program, which would be showcasing new artwork in May.
“The Art in Unexpected Places program not only provides fresh pops of colour and small moments of joy in places across the city that may not be expected, but it also provides exciting opportunities for artists to showcase their work,” he said.
Artists can now apply for Incubator Artist Residency for 4-31 August 2025 and 7 April – 4 May 2026 before 31 March. Learn more about taking part in the free Artist Speed Networking Night on 2 April, from 5 to 7 pm at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Bookings are essential by 1 April. Or learn about Art In Unexpected Places.
Loading ...
