ARTIST IN
RESIDENCY
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THE FLOAT ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Live. Make. Immerse. Float.
The FLOAT Artist in Residency (AIR) program invites artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, curators, designers, and thinkers from around the world to live and work on a custom-built floating studio on Lake Tyers (Bung Yarnda), East Gippsland.
This residency offers a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with the natural environment, and explore creative practice in dialogue with place and community.
What the residency offers:
- 6-week residency on the FLOAT vessel at Fisherman’s Landing, Lake Tyers
- A fully self-contained, off-grid living and studio space designed for quiet reflection and creative focus
- Opportunities to explore the lake and bushland on foot or by kayak
- Connection to a thriving network of local artists, ecologists, and community initiatives
- Involvement in FLOAT Communiversity activities — including:
- Monday conversations, artist talks, and guided walks
- Public workshops or presentations (optional and flexible)
- Participation in an annual exhibition across multiple venues in the Lake Tyers catchment and Lakes Entrance
- Inclusion in a growing archive of regional creative practice
What we’re looking for:
- Artists with an interest in place-based, ecological, socially-engaged or experimental practice
- People open to collaboration, sharing ideas, or engaging with local communities
- Practitioners across disciplines — from visual art to sound, science to storytelling
- Why FLOAT?
- It’s not just a residency — it’s a creative ecosystem
- Built by the community, for creative exploration and environmental stewardship
- A refreshing alternative to institutional residencies and gallery systems
- Rooted in care, curiosity, and local-global connection
- To learn more or apply, reach out to [email protected] or fill out our application form
Here are some impressions of the space and some of the artists who have completed a residency on Float.
More information and application form further down the page!Â
AN INCOMPLETE COMPILATION OF OUR FLOAT ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE. (UPDATE NOW IN PROGRESS).
FLOAT Artist-in-Residence Program Details
Live and work on a floating studio in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
FLOAT offers a unique artist residency on a handcrafted vessel moored at Lake Tyers (Bung Yarnda), inviting artists, writers, thinkers and makers to immerse themselves in place, ecology, and community.
Residency Structure:
Residencies typically last 4–6 weeks, within one of six seasonal windows:
- April–May
- June–July
- August–September
- October–November
- December–January
- February–March
Applications are open to Australian and international contemporary artists working in any discipline — emerging or established.
Residencies are solo stays only (no collaborators, pets or dependents).
Types of Residencies:
1. Fully Supported Residencies
- 4 residencies per year for up to 6 weeks
- Best suited to applicants whose proposal aligns strongly with FLOAT’s values of creativity, ecology, and community.
Inclusions: - Accommodation and workspace on the FLOAT vessel
- Use of kayak for lake access
- Occasional shared community meals
- Weekly stipend (where applicable)
- Partial travel support may be available
Expectations: - Deliver a public presentation, workshop, or event during the stay
- Engage respectfully and openly with FLOAT and its community
2. Semi-Supported ResidenciesÂ
- Open to strong applicants not selected for a fully supported place
- Minimum stay: 2 weeks, up to 6 weeks
- Fee: $220 per fortnight (incl. GST)
Inclusions: - Accommodation and workspace on the vessel
- Use of kayak
- Potential support through collaborative grant proposals
Expectations: - $220 residency fee (min.)
- Public event or contribution during the stay
- Participation in FLOAT’s community ethos
3. Self-Funded Short Stays
- For artists wanting private retreat-style time on the vessel
- Based on availability
- Fee: $800 per week or $200 per night (2-night minimum)
Inclusions: - Solo use of FLOAT vessel and kayak
- No obligation to present, but engagement is welcomed
Important Considerations:
- FLOAT is only accessible by kayak or water taxi — a short but essential commute over water
- Residents must be comfortable with minimal amenities, off-grid living, and close connection to nature
- FLOAT runs under a strict environmental and maritime safety plan — full induction required
How to Apply:
- Pay a non-refundable $22 application fee
- Submit your application online with:
– Contact details
– Project proposal (brief and clear)
– A short bio and artist statement
– Contact for one referee - Email separately to [email protected]:– 1-page CV
– 5 images of your work (JPEG format)
FLOAT residencies are more than a creative retreat — they are an invitation to explore what it means to make art in deep connection with place, people and the planet.
Start the conversation. We’d love to hear from you so…
APPLY HERE NOW!