At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

Galleries are open 12–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

Hyper Local Residencies

Hyper Local Residencies

Two residencies of 5-6 months each are available to mid-career Boorloo/Perth-based artists to dedicate time to developing and consolidating a long-term project. Our Hyper Local residencies are for artists with a committed studio practice and the motivation to work independently over the course of their residency. While at PICA, residency artists join a creative cohort that share in studio visits, artist talks and Open Studio events. 

Through PICA’s Studio Program, artists are provided with:  

  • Exclusive use of a private, accessible studio at PICA with daily access from 7am–10pm (upon receipt of a refundable key deposit). 
  • Use of PICA’s shared areas and equipment (as available).  
  • Curatorial, production and logistical support from PICA staff. 
  • Facilitated connections with local artists, organisations and communities for research and community engagement. 
  • Critical and supportive feedback from audiences through the presentation of works-in-progress at an Open Studio event (for residencies longer than four weeks).   

Artists must be able to spend a minimum of two days a week in the studio and provide proof of public liability and personal accident insurance if selected for a residency at PICA. 

Apply now

Image: Aaron Claringbold and Rebecca McCauley, Hyper Local Artists-in-Residence, Studio Program, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), 2025. Photo: Daniel James Grant

About the Studios 

The space available for this callout is Studio 3, which is: 

  • Approximately 48 square metres 
  • Large windows with natural light (can be covered if required) 
  • Rendered and painted brick walls, 4.2m high 
  • Polished jarrah wood floors 
  • Overhead LED lights 
  • Wheelchair accessible. 

See PICA’s studio floor plans and technical specifications, here.

Application Dates 

Applications close at 5pm on 21 September 2026, with applicants notified by end of October. 

Artist Access  

At PICA, access is a core part of professional working conditions. Creative practioners come from many lived experiences and identities, and we are committed to making our programs and application process as accessible as possible.    

Applicants are welcome to share any access requirements that would support them to apply or participate in our programs. Access requirements may relate to physical, sensory, communication or process-related access needs, including support around time pressure, deadlines or information processing. Applicants are not required to disclose diagnoses or medical details.    

Access conversations are voluntary, practioner-led and separate from selection. Any access information shared is kept separate from assessment and is only shared with staff responsible for coordinating access. Sharing access requirements will not affect artistic assessment.  

If you would like to discuss your access needs, please contact Studio and Public Program Manager Maile Bowen (08) 9228 6304 or maile@pica.org.au    

Visit our Access For Artists page to learn more

Eligibility 

The opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines based in WA over the age of 18.  

Selection Criteria 

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel comprising pvi collective artist Tom Campbell, PICA Curator Georgia Hayward and PICA Studio and Public Program Manager Maile Bowen. Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

Artistic merit 
Demonstrated quality of your existing work and public and peer response to your practice. 

Impact on your career
How the proposed residency will strengthen your practice and capacity as an arts professional.

Suitability 
The suitability of your practice and your proposal to PICA’s studio spaces. 

Residency Dates 

Our two Hyper Local residencies are available from 7 February – 25 July and 26 July – 19 December.  

Get in touch

For any questions or if you need to submit your application in a format different to the below form, email PICA’s Studio and Public Program Manager, Maile Bowen maile@pica.org.au 

If you are unexpectedly unwell or experience some other kind of last-minute interruption that means you will not be able to meet this deadline and require a few additional days, please get in touch with us prior to the closing time to discuss. 

PICA’s Hyper Local Residency program is supported by PICA’s Art Ambassadors.