PICA invites WA-based artists and current studio artists and alumni of the long-running Parramatta Artists Studios Program to apply for this exchange residency program in 2027.
This pilot residency invites applications from artists whose practice critically engages with ideas of the West—as both a geographical place and a cultural construct. The residency seeks to support practices that challenge, contest or reframe dominant understandings of the west through artistic enquiry and lived experience.
Prioritising process, experimentation and reciprocal learning, the residency encourages artists to develop new ideas through research, dialogue and exchange. It offers space for new relationships, critical conversations and artistic responses to emerge, while engaging with Parramatta Artists Studios in Western Sydney and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts in Western Australia as distinct social, cultural and political contexts.
Established in 2006, Parramatta Artists Studios is an initiative of the City of Parramatta. Through supported studio facilities in Granville and Rydalmere, alongside digital residencies, the organisation provides studio spaces, residency opportunities, career development and community-connected programs that contribute to Parramatta’s vibrant cultural ecology.
PICA’s new partnership with Parramatta Artists Studios creates a two-way exchange between Western Australia and Western Sydney, supporting artists to develop their practice within an interstate context while fostering meaningful professional networks, new perspectives and opportunities for exchange. WA artists have the opportunity to undertake a residency at Parramatta Artists Studios, while current studio artists and alumni of Parramatta Artists Studios can apply to undertake a residency at PICA in Perth.
Applications close at 5pm on 21 September 2026, with applicants notified by end of October.
Image: HOSSEI, Parramatta Artists Studios. Photo: Garry Trinh.
Image: Courtesy of Parramatta Artists Studios. Photo: Garry Trinh.
Application Dates
Applications close at 5pm on 21 September 2026, with interviews in late September and selected applicants notified by end of October.
If you would like to organise an information session about the residency and application process, please get in touch with Studio and Public Program Manager, Maile Bowen maile@pica.org.au or (08) 9228 6300.
Eligibility
This reciprocal exchange opportunity is open to Western Australia–based artists aged 18+ and current studio artists and alumni of Parramatta Artists Studios (must be based in NSW at time of Residency).
Support
Each residency includes an artist fee, return airfare and accommodation. PICA and Parramatta Artists Studios staff will provide support around travel, insurance and planning.
Local hosts will provide residents with introductions to local artists, curators and communities; assist with the development of a schedule of activities; and provide an opportunity for the resident to present work or research to the public via an open studio, presentation of work or artist talk.
Selection Criteria
Artistic merit
Demonstrated quality of your existing work and public and peer response to your practice.
Suitability
The suitability of your practice and your proposal to the residency program, its location and conceptual focus.
Impact on your career
How the proposed residency will strengthen your practice and capacity as an arts professional, particularly in relation to international development and exchange.
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.
About the Organisation and Residency Program
Established in 2006, Parramatta Artists Studios is an initiative of the City of Parramatta. Through supported studio facilities in Granville and Rydalmere, PAS provides studio spaces, national and international residency opportunities, career development and community-connected programs that contribute to Parramatta’s vibrant cultural ecology.
PICA’s Studio Program is dedicated to cultivating artistic practice and community. Through four-year-round studio streams, the program provides artists with the time, space and support needed for focused studio work, experimentation, research and creative development without the pressure of an outcome.
Residency Dates
NSW artist in Western Australia
20 September – 17 October 2027
Western Australia artist in NSW
27 September – 24 October 2027
Residency Focus
This new residency invites applications from artists whose practice critically engages with ideas of the West—as both a geographical place and a cultural construct. The residency seeks to support practices that challenge, contest or reframe dominant understandings of the west through artistic enquiry and lived experience.
Prioritising process, experimentation and reciprocal learning, the residency encourages artists to develop new ideas through research, dialogue and exchange. It offers space for new relationships, critical conversations and artistic responses to emerge, while engaging with Parramatta Artists Studios in Western Sydney and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts in Western Australia as distinct social, cultural and political contexts.
Type of Studio
Accommodation
Perth Accommodation
PICA accommodation is a private apartment located at North Metropolitan TAFE, a short distance from PICA’s studios.
Parramatta Accommodation
PAS accommodation is a private apartment located close to Parramatta Artists Studios, providing convenient access to the studios. Visual Story can be found here.
Resources
Support from staff, promotion resources for events and exhibitions, curator/studio visits.
