Applications now open for artist residency program

Seeing the beauty in times of adversity is the theme of an arts residency program being hosted by the Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (CQ RASN). 

Central Highlands artists and creative practitioners are urged to apply for round four of the Tough and Tender Beauty program. Applications are now open and close on Sunday 26 July 2020. 

Tough and Tender is the signature CQ RASN project for 2020-2021. Round four will profile the diversity of the Central Highlands and Banana regions, and the importance of the arts for creative response, resilience, recovery, memorialising and celebration. 

CQ RASN in partnership with Central Highlands Regional Council and Banana Shire Council, invite artists and creative practitioners from various artforms to engage in a one-month residency ‘at home’ with the residency starting on Monday 10 August 2020.  

The theme of the program is in response to the challenges our regions have gone through in recent years such as fire, drought and floods and the COVID-19 pandemic currently impacting the world. 

Central Highlands Regional Council Arts and Cultural Officer, Karen Newman said during tough times and working through the arts, individuals and communities find and create moments of beauty.  

‘There is beauty and tenderness to be found in the toughest of times, environments and landscapes, in the ways people dig deep, respond, create and re-imagine,’’ she said. 

‘Our region is home to many talented artists and creative practitioners and I encourage them to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. It will not only deliver personal benefit but also have a positive impact on our community as we respond to COVID-19.’ 

Artists selected will engage in their own practice and way of working, reflecting upon the current context and responding to the theme. 

Artists with experience in a range of forms are encouraged to apply including:  

Successful artists will receive $1500 and throughout the month-long residency, the artists will share their process or work through blogs, podcasts or artist talks and social media posts. There may also be online opportunities for other community members to contribute and interact with them throughout.  

Artists will take part in a weekly Zoom meeting with CQRASN regional arts officers to discuss their progress and meet other artists in the program. The meetings will also feature a personal development component with industry professionals joining in to present on various arts subjects. 

The outcomes for the residency will depend on each artist but future presentations and exhibitions may be possible within the region and cross-regionally for the 2021 program. 

To apply, please fill out the EOI form.  

For more information contact CQ RASN Network Officer, Julie Barratt via email: [email protected] or visit http://cqregionalarts.net/