Down the Lane Artist Residency 2027

Down the Lane is a fully supported, one-month studio residency for one artist, held in Melbourne in March 2027. It covers the return airfare, accommodation for the month, a private studio and a separate workshop area, along with an A$500 production budget for the artist.

It's run by Down the Lane Studios in partnership with Culture Focus. The idea behind it is simple: give an artist real time, a real studio, and enough support that they can actually use it.

The residency is open to practising artists worldwide, at any career stage. You'll need to be able to travel to Melbourne and be present in the studio for the full month in March 2027, and to submit your application in English. Writers, playwrights and directors are welcome to apply. If your practice sits across categories, get in touch and ask.

Strong, consistent existing work; a clear and achievable idea for what you'll make during the month; genuine curiosity about Melbourne as a place to make new work; and the ability to work independently in a shared studio environment.

There is an application fee of A$50 to apply. The fee is non-refundable and goes towards the cost of assessing applications. Exchange rates move day to day, so treat the conversions as a guide rather than an exact figure. Payment instructions are provided as part of the application process.

The deadline for applying is 20 December 2026, and the application is online.