"Visual Arts and Craft Residencies in Asia 2002"
2001-07-07 until 2001-09-07
Asialink
Carlton, VI, AU Australia

The Asialink Centre of The University of Melbourne invites applications from artists and crafts people to spend an extended period working in an Asian country. This program is an ongoing partnership with the Australia Council and is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and various State and Territory Arts Departments, extending the number and scope of residencies available. Since the program’s inception in 1991, 80 artists have been chosen for residencies. Up to nine places will be offered in 2002. Host countries listed here are China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand but residencies are possible in other countries as well.

AIM
The aim of this program is to enlarge the experiences available to Australians in our own region, to develop projects related to the host country and to encourage on-going involvement between Australian and Asian artists and organisations. The residencies are a professional development opportunity for Australian artists and also act to foster bilateral relationships in the region.

ELIGIBILITY
Residencies are open to all artists/crafts people who would be eligible under normal Australia Council criteria: ie applicants must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia and demonstrate a proven record of professional activity over at least three years. They are not for academic study or research. Former Asialink Residents are eligible to reapply four years after their selection – eg if you applied in 1997 and undertook a residency in 1998 you able to reapply in this round (for 2002).

EXPECTATIONS
Each residency offers a specific amount of funding and initial contacts in each place. It is then up to the individual to make as much of the experience as possible and to plan and manage their own program. Flexibility and being able to cope with sometimes unusual or difficult situations are great assets.

The resident will be expected to do their own work based on their application and to make a contribution to the life of the host organisation or community. There is a different idea about working space for artists in Asia: that is, discrete space for an individual is unusual. It is hoped that working space of some sort is available but it is not guaranteed. An exhibition is often expected as it is regarded as a good way to 'present' the artist to the local community. It could be held early in the residency, including work brought from Australia, or at the end showing work made during the residency.

To varying degrees the resident will be expected to take part in workshops and seminars, and in some places to teach more formally. Most artists would be expected to give talks with slides on Australian art in general as well as their own work.

FUNDING
A travel grant is provided to each resident to assist with airfare, accommodation, living expenses and materials or exhibition costs. Up to $12,000 is provided for residencies of three to four months. There is flexibility to undertake a shorter residency (minimum two months) with pro rata funding. Please include an explanation for why you prefer a shorter residency in your statement.

It is the artist’s responsibility to maintain their own budget and contribute funds if necessary. An amount of up to $2,000 might be required depending on the individual’s needs, the economy of the host country and the financial arrangement with some hosts. There will be a number of 'extra' costs which need to be kept in mind, for example, the artist may have to budget for returning hospitality.

ARTS RESIDENCIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN
- Arts Management
With opportunities for curators, policy makers, conservators, exhibition designers, gallery and festival administrators, etc. - Literature
- Performing Arts

All programs close 7 September 2001
Contact Asialink for more information or visit www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Australia

Other Important Exhibitions in Australia