Summer Artist Incubator
Summer Artist Incubator 2026-2027
Submissions are now open for the Summer Artist Incubator 2026-27.
City of Port Phillip is inviting applications from local creatives such as artists, writers, composers, filmmakers, and designers to apply for the Summer Artist Incubator 2026-27.
The program offers free temporary studio space for a 12-week residency in the Carlisle Street Arts Space (CSAS), with support from the City of Port Phillip arts team for the incubation and development of projects.
Fred Negro: Hooray, in residence at Carlisle St Art Space, 2024
About the program
During the Summer Artist Incubator, the Carlisle St. Art Space will be partitioned into 3-4 temporary artist studios for a 12-week residency period.
Artists can apply for a space as an individual, or as a small group of 2 or 3. The galleries existing moveable walls will divide the gallery into open-plan studios with areas approximately 2 x 3m to 3 x 5m. Each artist/artist group will be designated a space for the duration of the program.
The gallery will continue to be open to the public, and as such, visitors will be able to see the artists while working or works in progress when artists are not present. Artists are encouraged to display their work in development or completed work. The gallery walls can be utilised for hanging work and some gallery equipment is available (ie. plinths, display cabinets, mannequins).
Artists are asked to facilitate a public program, such as a workshop, artist talk, or other creative offering as part of their residency.
Carlisle Street Arts Space opening hours:
Monday to Friday - 8.30 am to 5 pm
*Closed on weekends and public holidays.
*Please note that artists will not have access to the gallery on weekends and public holidays.
Key dates
- EOI closes: 11:59pm, Sunday 16 August 2026
- Artists notified: By Friday 4 September 2026
- Residency commences: 7 December 2026
*An induction into the Space will occur in the first week for all artists. - Residency concludes: 26 February 2027
- Bump out: Monday 1 March to Friday 5 March 2027
Eligibility and assessment criteria
Artists will be selected for this program based on the following eligibility:
- Demonstrate a commitment to an active, professional art practice (*see professional artist definition below).
- Have a strong connection to the City of Port Phillip with preference given to artists who reside in the City of Port Phillip.
- Indicate a commitment to utilise the studio space a minimum of 2 working days each week.
- Are able to indicate their capacity and experience working in a shared space in a collaborative manner.
- Demonstrate a clear project goal for the duration of the program.
- The artist is working with medium/s that are suitable for the space (there are no facilities for wet materials such as clay, aerosols, or power tools, painters must agree to the sustainable methods of cleaning brushes).
- A proposed public program
*A professional artist is a person who:
- Has cumulative experience or a higher qualification in visual arts or related discipline.
- Has specialist training and/or experience within their field and are involved in the creation of art as their profession.
- Has conceptualising and creative skills that result in the creation of artwork.
- Has demonstrated professional standing through exhibitions and commissions.
How to Apply
For more information, download the Summer Artist Incubator Guidelines here:
PDF: Summer Artist Incubator Guidelines 2026
WORD: Summer Artist Incubator Guidelines 2026
Applications will be evaluated against the eligibility and assessment Criteria and assessed by Council officers using a point scoring system.
Applications close 11.59 pm Sunday 16 August 2026.
For all enquiries about the program or for assistance with your application, contact Autumn Tansey – Art Activation Officer via email at publicart@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Accessibility Support
If this information is not accessible to you and you need this in an alternative format, such as large print, audio or Braille;
or if you require accessible formats for submission, please email publicart@portphillip.vic.gov.au or call 03 9209 6164.
National Relay Service
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can phone us through the National Relay Service (NRS):
TTY users, dial 133677, ask for 03 9209 6777
Voice Relay users, phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 03 9209 6777.
relayservice.gov.au
Alternatively, you could download Deaf-owned Relay Service Convo.
Translating & Interpreting Service, If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450. Ask them to call the City of Port Phillip on (03) 9209 6777.
For general Council information about the National Relay Service, language translation and Auslan interpreter services, visit accessibility and disability inclusion.
Artists in residence 2025 (L-R: Betty Sargeant, Stephania Windholz Leigh, Arabella Strachan)