Artists are invited to apply for one of two 2026 Artist In Residence positions, supported by Jump Left and Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects Fund.

Who Can Apply

Open to artists with disabilities and neurodivergent artists. We encourage applications from artists who also identify as First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse, based outside metropolitan Melbourne, LGBTQIA+, and that work at supported studios. There is no cost to apply.

Successful Artists

Two artists will be selected and will receive a dedicated workspace at Jump Left, up to $150 in materials, specialist training, mentoring from our Director, and an exhibition fee of $573.90. The three-month residency (one day per week) culminates in a group exhibition in June 2026. If you need support to participate, we'll work together to make your experience the best it can be.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 11.59pm Wednesday 11 February 2026

• Artists notified: Monday 16 February 2026

• Residencies start: Week starting Monday 23 February 2026

• Residency days: Artists can come in once a week on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday

• Residencies end: End 22 May 2026

• Group exhibition: June 2026

Artist Residencies

1. Inaugural Invitational Artist Residency

   We are excited to share our Inaugural 2025 Invitational Artist in Residence has been awarded to Rosie O’Brien! Rosie is an emerging artist based in Naarm, Melbourne, who recently completed an artist residency at Australian Tapestry Workshop. Represented by Arts Project Australia.

2. Invitational Artist Residency

   We have invited an artist to join our second residency on offer, to be announced in January 2026!

3. Open Call - Diverse Artist Residency

   Open to artists from all backgrounds who identify as part of diverse communities, including people with disabilities, neurodivergent artists, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, artists based outside metropolitan Melbourne, and LGBTQIA+ artists.

4. Open Call - Diverse Artist Residency

   Open to artists from all backgrounds who identify as part of diverse communities, including people with disabilities, neurodivergent artists, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, artists based outside metropolitan Melbourne, and LGBTQIA+ artists.

About the Space

Work independently in a dedicated space at Jump Left located at Donkey Wheel House in Naarm (Melbourne). You'll have access to a professional, welcoming, quiet and supportive environment designed to foster creativity and connection. Other artists may be working in the space, or there may be days you are the only artist. Visitors, curators and supporters pop by from time-to-time.

What We Provide

• Space: Your own workspace in our project space during open hours

• Supplies: Up to $150 worth of art supplies including paint, paper, brushes, and other materials

• Mentoring: Help and advice from our experienced Director

• Skills Development: Up to 3 hours of training with an art specialist if interested

• Networking: Meet other peers and people from the Jump Left community of supporters

• Promotion: Jump left will promote you and your work

• Exhibition Opportunity: Show and sell your work at Jump Left

• Exhibition Payment: $573.90 payment when you complete the residency and exhibit your work

Requirements

• Review and sign residency Agreement

• Submit a CV, biography and images of you and your work for promotion

• Complete OH&S and orientation session before commencing residency

• Create artwork at Jump Left during our open hours (1 day/week)

• Engage in self-directed artistic exploration during the residency

• Access specialised art or professional development opportunity (up to 3 hours)

• Make available new artwork (and exisiting if required) for our artist residency group exhibition

• Participate in the group exhibition for its full duration

• Maintain respectful and professional conduct in the shared workspace

• Follow residency and safety guidelines

• Notify Jump Left of access requirements ahead of time

Access & Inclusion

We work closely with each artist to understand their individual needs and provide flexible support that makes genuine participation possible. Our program welcomes artists with diverse perspectives and lived experiences, including those who navigate the world through unique cognitive, sensory and physical experiences. We provide an accessible venue, mentoring support and whatever arrangements are needed so artists can focus on their creative practice. As specialists in inclusive arts practice, we know that diverse voices make contemporary art stronger—and our residencies are designed as supportive spaces where every artist can experiment, grow and connect with peers and audiences.

Group Exhibition

Your artwork will be featured in our artist residency group exhibition in May/June 2026, alongside fellow residency artists. This is your opportunity to share your creative journey with the community.

• When: June 2026

• Where: Jump Left Gallery Space

• Your Rights: You own all artwork created during the residency, including copyright

• Sales: Sell your work with 40% commission to Jump Left (split with representative galleries if applicable)

• Promotion: We may photograph your work to promote the program, always with full artist credit

Featured Image

Jump left—Detail of artist Rosie O’Brien working on an artwork during her 2025-2026 artist residency.