Local artists invited to apply for art gallery's residency program

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery invites all local artists to apply for its 2023 residency program.

Applications for the gallery’s 2023 Regional Artist Development (RAD) Residency Program are now open and will close on 28 September.

The program is offering four residencies, with each recipient set to receive a $2000 stipend and the use of a spacious studio environment at the gallery.

The artists will be allowed to use the studio space for four weeks to pursue their art practice.

The gallery said the residency program will focus on the development and mentorship of early career artists.

Wagga Art Gallery director Doctor Lee-Anne Hall said that through the residency program local and regional artists have the opportunity to develop their art practice with mentorship and support from the gallery staff.

“The art gallery will partner with Earth Canvas to offer a special opportunity for one of the resident artists, involving both an ‘on-farm’ and studio residency,” Dr Hall said.

“This is an opportunity for an interested artist to extend their engagement with themes of healthy landscapes, soil, food and a healthy planet through spending time on a farm committed to regenerative farming practices.”

Riverina artist Sophie Chauncy is in residency at the art gallery.

The artist had spent a lot of her time exploring and responding to the ecosystem of the Murrumbidgee River and its surrounding landscape.

Ms Chauncy said the RAD program had allowed her to further expand, focus and build on her artistic practice, while receiving professional guidance from the gallery.

Ms Chauncy, who is from Coleambally and Darlington Point, had developed a deep appreciation for the unique Australian landscape.

Growing up in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area led her to have a fascination with its native species.

Her fascination for landscape and the species was deepened at her family home on the river in Darlington Point.

“Living with the water at my door, in something of my own riverbank garden or wilderness wonderland, I revel in the beauty and aliveness of the birds and plants living here [at Darlington Point],” Ms Chauncy said.

“When I paint the surrounding bush settings, I am captivated by the colours, from soft greys to dusty pinks.

“I am drawn to the vibrancy of the flocks of corellas and cockatoos nesting in the surrounding gum trees, the allusive shapes of the trees on the river’s edge dancing in the morning.”

Ms Chauncy is set to host an open studio and artist talk on Saturday 17 September when the community is invited to come along and hear about her residency.

Applications for the 2023 Regional Artist Development Residency Program will close on Thursday 28 September at 4 pm.

To apply for the program, visit Wagga Art Gallery.

Booking for the artist talk by Ms Chauncy is essential. Click here to make the free booking.