Bilpin international ground for Creative initiatives
BigCi is an independent, artist run, not for profit artist residency program focusing on artists’ professional development and facilitating their projects. BigCi has been established and run by Rae Bolotin, a practicing artist, and Yuri Bolotin, environmentalist and wilderness explorer. Because of the location on the edge of Wollemi National Park within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains and the knowledge base of their team, many of the resident artists are particularly interested in projects that explore environmental or ecological issues, although many others use our beautiful natural surroundings as a source of creativity for a variety of different artistic pursuits.
All residents have opportunities to take part in bush walks of the area, conducted by Yuri Bolotin, an experienced mountain guide. Artists-in-residence are able to present their work during a BigCi Open Day that usually takes place at the end of their stay.
Painters, sculptors, multimedia artists, performance artists, writers, musicians, dancers, filmmakers and other creative souls are invited to apply for the residency. Curators, artistic directors, visionaries and ideas people are welcome to propose events, gatherings, exhibitions and other creative initiatives. In addition to the artist residency program, BigCi is available for events, performances, workshops, installations and exhibitions. Proposals are welcome.
BigCi has collaborative links with a number of art organizations, including Asialink, Artspace Sydney, Sydney Biennale, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Goyang Art Studio, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea; Red Gate Gallery, Beijing, China, Move Arts Japan (MAJ) Artist In Residence Program, Japan Foundation.
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Unless otherwise specified (eg, the BigCi Environmental Awards), the physical outcome is not mandatory, however the hosts are delighted to facilitate and stage exhibitions, lectures, community outreach programs if this is desired by the applicants. Please let the hosts know when applying.
The BigCi has 2 studio/accommodation options, to suit individual needs of the artists and their projects:
- The Art Shed - large work and performance spaces and 4 studios for accommodation
- The Barn - work space and 2 studios for accommodation.
Provided, see studio information.
Basic equipment is available. Please let the hosts know about your specific needs.
BigCi is a large 8-acre property in the town of Bilpin right on the doorstep of Wollemi National Park, in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains, about one and a half hours drive from Sydney. BigCi is within easy reach by car from the world famous Blue Mountains National Park and the stunning Gardens of Stone National Park. The natural landscape of BigCi provides a unique venue for creative endeavors and for staging a wide variety of creative events in the strikingly beautiful environment of rocks, native plants, flowers, trees, dams and creeks.