Applications Now Open | Gertrude Studios 2027
","description":"Respected both nationally and internationally, Gertrude’s unique studio-exhibition model supports outstanding artists at pivotal moments in their careers. The two-year Gertrude Studio Program has been at the core of the organisation since its founding more than four decades ago.
Gertrude manages 16 highly subsidised artist studios located at Gertrude Contemporary, 21-31 High Street, Preston South. The studios are co-located with Gertrude’s public exhibition spaces and the organisation’s offices. Studio artists have use of shared communal spaces and workshop facilities on-site. Please note that the studios are non-residential, individual spaces on a site shared with other artists working across a range of mediums.
Gertrude invites applications from contemporary artists working across any medium to express their interest in the two-year program.
\nThis program is intended for professional artists whose work reflects the rich intersectionality of contemporary arts practice, including sculpture, painting, performance, installation, photography, video, drawing, contemporary dance, and experimental practices.
\nEach year, eight new artists are invited into the program and move into their studios progressively throughout the year. Studios become available on a rolling schedule throughout the calendar year. Intake timing will be discussed with successful applicants.
\nGertrude also offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist in each intake. Applications for this fully subsidised studio are assessed by a panel consisting of First Nations artists and arts industry peers.
\nGeneral applications are considered by an advisory committee composed of Gertrude staff, a current Gertrude Studio Artist, a former Gertrude Studio Artist, and an external curator or arts professional.
\nGertrude encourages applications from First Nations applicants, as well as people living at the intersections of cultural, linguistic, gender-diverse, and d/Deaf or disabled experiences. Gertrude is committed to providing a culturally safe space and respectful workplace in dialogue with all staff and participating artists.
\nThe 16 studios are each approximately 32 square metres in size, individually lockable, stud-walled, and have open ceilings. The grid ceiling can be easily reconfigured for mounting, suspending and power utility. Artists in the program also have access to shared workshops. Gertrude has internet access, air conditioning and heating throughout. Artists have access to their studios 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
\nAs the studios share open ceilings, there are limitations on material and chemical usage in the space. Please consider if a shared studio environment is best suited to you and your practice. If you have not visited the site before and would like to make enquiries about the specific studio environment, please contact Gertrude via apply@gertrude.org.au or 03 9480 0068.
\nWhile highly subsidised, there is a monthly fee of $300 (inc. GST) for each studio as well as a refundable bond of $300. Gertrude offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist (see Eligibility, Selection and Cultural Safety below).
\nYou can find site access information for Gertrude Contemporary and Gertrude Glasshouse here. If you have any additional access requirements or would like to have a conversation with a staff member, please contact Gertrude via apply@gertrude.org.au or 03 9480 0068.
\nFor internationally based artists, please note that Gertrude is not able to provide any financial assistance for costs associated with relocating or housing.
\nAs part of the Studio Program, artists are offered a solo exhibition at Gertrude Glasshouse, a standalone project space in Collingwood. Gertrude provides artist fees and a production budget for these exhibitions.
\nStudio Artists also present work within the annual Gertrude Studios exhibitions, a highly anticipated group exhibition presenting new and recent works by all the studio artists in the program. Gertrude provides an artist fee for participation in this exhibition.
\nAll exhibitions at Gertrude Contemporary and Gertrude Glasshouse include curatorial and installation support, marketing and professional exhibition documentation.
\nThe Gertrude Studio Program also offers professional development opportunities through facilitated studio visits by Australian and international curators and museum directors and the wider sector.
\nArtists in the program are encouraged to participate in the organisation's activities, which includes studio visits, open studios, public programs and educational initiatives. Participation in public and education programs is remunerated.
\nA fully completed application consists of:
\n\n2. Support Materials (completed application) consisting of:
\na. Artist CV (2 pages max), and
\nb. Visual Support Material + Links if relevant
\nPrior to submission of their application, applicants are encouraged to print or save a PDF version of their application for reference.
\nPlease contact Gertrude in advance of the application deadline, no later than 4pm, Friday 23 October 2026, to discuss any individual access or alternative submission requirements. Contact Gertrude via apply@gertrude.org.au or 03 9480 0068.
\nSupport materials are utilised by the selection committee to review your practice in more detail. Material exceeding the limits below will not be reviewed by the committee.
\nEnsure sharing permissions are set to public and that URLs are correct and functioning.
\nYour support materials should consist of:
\n1. Artist CV
\na. File name: LastNameFirstName_CV
\nb. 2 pages maximum
\nc. Accepted file formats: PDF/DOC/DOCX)
\n2. Visual Support Material
\na. File name: LastNameFirstName_Support Material
\nb. 1 document/presentation, 10 pages max, 1 image per page
\nc. Each image with caption: title, medium, year, dimensions
\nd. 10mb file size max
\ne. Accepted file formats: PDF/DOC/DOCX/PPT/PPTX
\n3. Video/Audio Links (if relevant)
\na. Include up to three URLs, each video/audio 3 mins max in length
\nb. URLs for YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo etc.
\nc. Include relevant passwords
\nApplicants are strongly encouraged to PDF their application to confirm their Support Materials have been uploaded. Responsibility lies with applicants to ensure correct submission procedures are followed.
\n• Successful applications are selected based on the quality of work, artistic commitment and the benefit to the development of their practice.
\n• Joint or group applications are accepted from artists who have a demonstrable history of prior collaboration with each other.
\n• Artists who have previously participated in the Gertrude Studio Program are ineligible to apply.
\n• Artists currently or intending to study during the residency period are ineligible to apply. Please note, this does not apply to the Dedicated First Nations studio opportunity.
\n• Successful applicants must be based in Naarm Melbourne, for the period of the residency. International applicants are responsible for arranging their own visas to live and work in Australia. Gertrude is unable to sponsor applications.
\n• Artists participating in the Gertrude Studio Program are required to have their own insurance covering, including Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Personal Accident. A certificate of currency will be requested at commencement. It is not required at the time of application. The National Association for Visual Artists (NAVA) offers a suitable policy at a discounted rate through their Premium Plus Membership tier.
\n• Panel decisions are final and cannot be negotiated.
\n• Unsuccessful applications are eligible to reapply in any future rounds.
\n• Applicants for the dedicated First Nations, fully-subsidised studio opportunity are assessed and determined by a panel of First Nations artist and arts worker representatives led by Gertrude Board member Tristen Harwood.
\n• Applications for the Gertrude Studio Program are considered by an advisory committee composed of Gertrude staff, a current Gertrude Studio Artist, a former Gertrude Studio Artist and an external curator or arts professional.
\nEach year, Gertrude offers a fully-subsidised studio for a First Nations artist as part of the Gertrude Studio Program call out. At any given time there are at least two First Nations artists in the Gertrude Studio Program.
\nThe fully-subsidised studio opportunity is open to First Nations peoples of Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applicants for the fully-subsidised studio are assessed and determined by a panel of First Nations representatives. All applicants apply via the same application form below with an option to nominate your eligibility for the fully-subsidised studio.
\nGertrude is strongly committed to cultural diversity and cultural safety in all aspects of our program and operations. For applicants who wish to read more about how we are demonstrating this, please read our First Peoples Cultural Competency and Cultural Safety Framework and our Community Engagement Framework – Disability Inclusion Access.
\nGertrude encourages collegiate participation in the community the organisation fosters and discourages anti-social behaviours. Bullying and harassment of staff or artists is not tolerated at Gertrude.
\nDraft and complete your application via this link.
Late applications will not be accepted or considered.
PDF Version of application saved for your own records.
• Applications open: Wednesday 16 September 2026
\n• Applications close: 11:59pm, Monday 26 October 2026
\n• Internal application processing and formal assessment: Late November 2026
\n• Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified: Early December 2026
\n• Public announcement of successful studio applicants: Mid December 2026
\nPlease address all enquiries to apply@gertrude.org.au. Enquiries must be discussed with Gertrude before 4pm, Friday 23 October 2026.
\nPlease refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document before reaching out to Gertrude.
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