PICA’s Quick Response studio residencies are for artists needing space to test an idea or develop a project over a short time frame of 1–4 weeks. With an open call for applications twice a year, this program aims to contribute to the cultural life of Perth by providing much-needed space, equipment and time to develop or experiment with ideas without the pressure of a completed outcome.
The spaces are suited for artists who have an interest in an independently driven structure for research and development. These spaces are not suitable for presentation of works to the public such as an exhibition or performance.
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.
Artists must provide proof of public liability and personal accident insurance if selected for a residency at PICA.
Image: Mossy Jade, ‘Love Letters’, in-situ, Quick Response Studio Program, 2024, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA). Photo: Tülay Dinçel
About the Studios
The spaces available for this callout are Studio 0 and 4:
- Approx 38 square metres
- Large windows with natural light
- Rendered and painted brick walls, 4.2m high
- Polished jarrah wood floors
- Overhead LED lights
- Studio 4 is wheelchair accessible. Studio 0 is not wheelchair accessible.
- Studio 0 floor plan
- Studio 4 floor plan here
Application Dates
Applications close at 5pm on 21 September 2027, with successful 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 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. While interstate applicants are welcome to apply, please note that PICA is not able to support travel or accommodation costs.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed by a selection panel comprising pvi collective artist Tom Campbell, PICA Curator Georgia Hayward and PICA Public Program & Studio 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 and the focus of the residency program.
Residency Dates
Our Quick Response studio residencies are available for periods of 1–4 weeks in the first half of 2027 (January–June). There will be a call for applications for the second half of the year in early 2027.
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 Public Program & Studio 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.
This residency is made possible thanks to the support of PICA’s Art Ambassadors.
