Dancenorth’s Artist Residency in the Tropics (A.R.T.) Program offers an independent dance practitioner the opportunity to live and work in the spectacular environs of Tropical North Queensland – a landscape thoroughly conducive to creativity.
A.R.T. residents are afforded time and space away from the familiarity of their usual surroundings, enabling not just space for reflection, research and development, but entirely new experiences from which to draw creative inspiration.
The A.R.T. program has been a key part of Dancenorth’s programming since 2016, playing host to artists including CONJAH (Jahra Wasasala and Oshcon Masseurs), Glory Tuohy-Daniell, Justin Shoulder, Aloali'i Tapu, Jackie Sheppard, Helen Herbertson, Rachel Arianne Ogle, Victoria Hunt, Waangenga Blanco, Sarah Aiken, raymond blanco, Laura Boynes and Storm Helmore, Matthew Day, Holly Durant, Shona Erskine, Bridget Fiske, Thomas E.S. Kelly, Paea Leach, Nadia Milford, Bhenji Ra, Tara Jade Samaya, Pippa Samaya, Zane Saunders, Second Echo Ensemble, Michael Smith and Ashleigh Musk and TheatreiNQ.
The 2026 residency will run for a minimum of two weeks and up to three-weeks. Residency dates will be negotiated with the successful applicant, based on studio availability.
Timeframes for the residency are offered in negotiation with successful applicants, with availability in select periods across February, April, May, July, and September.
The Artist Residency in the Tropics Program is a part of Dancenorth’s Regional Gravitation Program, is supported by the Ian Potter Foundation and Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Partnerships Fund.
VENUE: Dancenorth - Corner of Stanley and Walker Streets, Gurambilbarra (Townsville), QLD 4810
PROVISIONS
- $5,000 AUD bursary from which you can book your own flights and accommodation, and contribute towards any other expenses associated with your residency project.
- Full-time access to Dancenorth’s upstairs studio (working around the existing open class program)
- The opportunity to participate in Company class each morning
- Basic tech support
- Opportunity for reciprocal exchange between the Artist and the whole Dancenorth team
This initiative has no presentation outcome requirements but artists are encouraged to present their explorations at an informal showing for the Company and invited guests in order to access feedback and prompt critical discussion.
The successful applicant will be required to host professional workshop/s for the Dancenorth Ensemble. The successful applicant will be required to submit a written reflection to report on their residency.
TO APPLY
In addition to contact and personal details, the Applicant is required to answer the following questions, or provide documentation/ support material as applicable.
o Name, address, phone, email, website, date of birth
o Preferred dates for residency, 2026
o A brief description of the project you wish to embark on. (max 300 words)
o Why Gurambilbarra (Townsville) and Dancenorth, why now? (max 300 words)
o In terms of reciprocity and exchange, what can you share with the Company whilst in residence?
o A short Biography – 200 words max
o A link to previous works – 5 mins max
Applications CLOSE midnight, Monday, 9 March 2026
Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome in the week commencing Monday, 23 March 2026
Accessibility and Assistance
If applying by the online form is not your preferred option, you are welcome to submit your application in a format that is accessible to you (such as audio, video, printed, dictated, electronic and handwritten).
Please contact Eloise Grace, Company Producer to discuss any specific format requirements, or for any additional information.
P: 07 4772 2549
E: eloise@dancenorth.com.au
NB:
1. Applications will only be received via the web-based portal, unless you have discussed otherwise with Eloise Grace, Company Producer
2. Incomplete applications may not be considered, and the applicant is responsible for ensuring accuracy of information and validity of linked video files.
3. Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand residents.
4. All expenses relating to the development (including flights, accommodation and living expenses) will be covered by the successful applicant, and the successful applicant is entirely responsible for any costs incurred due to COVID-19 or other restrictions to travel and attendance.
5. The residency is located in the upstairs studio at Dancenorth in (Gurambilbarra) Townsville, Queensland. The space is 6m x 9m with an additional 6m x 6m beyond a 4m wide archway. The space is accessible only by stairs, and does not have the capacity to be blacked out.
6. The applicant must have a contemporary dance practice.
Dancenorth values the importance of diversity across cultural heritage, ability, gender, sexuality and age, and warmly encourages applicants from First Nations, and Culturally/ Linguistically diverse groups.
The Artist Residency in the Tropics Program is a part of Dancenorth’s Regional Gravitation Program, is supported by the Ian Potter Foundation and Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Strategic Partnerships Fund.