Residency Application

The VWA offers a three-year Artist in Residence program for emerging fine woodworkers, providing a well-equipped and supportive environment at low cost while artists establish their practice.

Applicants are generally early in their careers, with some training or experience in fine woodwork, and the ability to work independently. The residency is intended for individuals with a strong interest in refining their skills and a clear sense of what they hope to explore during the program. A portfolio of past work forms part of the selection process when applications are open.

Successful applicants who become Artists in Resident become part of the broader VWA community and are encouraged to contribute positively to the shared workshop, working cooperatively with fellow residents, tutors, and students at the Victorian School of Woodwork.

Before applying, you can read more about the residency here and the benefits here.

We are looking for a candidate who: 

  • – Can demonstrate competency with common woodworking machinery and hand tools and the ability to operate safely & independently in the workshop through prior training or on-the-job experience 
  • – Demonstrates a clear intention to develop a professional woodworking practice, including a business plan and some evidence of initial steps in this direction 
  • – Ability to operate in a self-directed manner 
  • – Financial means to support themselves in the start-up stage of their practice, whilst making the most of the space & meeting minimum attendance expectations (part time work elsewhere is fine, but the position is not suitable for someone who can only attend on weekends) 
  • – Will work cooperatively in a shared space with the other artists 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your woodworking journey, we’d love to hear from you.  

Applications open on the 12th August 2026 and will close on Wednesday 9th September – don’t miss out!

Please outline what you would like to achieve during your residency at the VWA. What direction do you see your practice taking over the next three years?

How will the Artist in Residency position help you take the next step in your woodworking career?

Artists approach the residency with different goals. For some, this might mean building a business or growing a client base. For others, it may involve focusing on creative exploration — developing a cohesive body of work or working towards a future exhibition at the end of their tenancy.

In the next fields, please detail your experience in the use and maintenance of the different tool and machine types.

Please provide details of any relevant education, training, or courses you have completed, or relevant industry experience.

Residency rent is kept low to support emerging artists, but reliable payment is essential. While heavy static machinery is provided, artists are expected to provide or purchase their own hand tools and light power tools (drills, router, etc). If you do not currently have regular commissions or a client base, how do you intend to support yourself financially during your first 12 months?

If you have any online presence, e.g. Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc ... please list the links here. *include full links, e.g. 'https://'

If unsuccessful in this round, would you like to be notified in the future when another space becomes available?

Enter any other notes or information you would like to provide.

Upload a PDF file of a folio of your works. Commentary is expected for each piece of work: e.g. What it is, what it's made from, how it was made, how long it took to make, why it was made.

File name:

File size:

Being part of the VWA Artist in Residence program means more than just having a bench — it means becoming part of a generous, skilled, and supportive community of makers, teachers, and students. If your application is successful, we ask that you contribute to the shared life of the workshop in the following ways:

  1. Workshop Maintenance: Help us keep the space safe, clean, and functional by contributing approximately 1 hour per week to general workshop upkeep, as coordinated by our maintenance technician.
  2. Exhibiting Your Work: Participate in VWA exhibitions and group presentations during your residency, including an end-of-year showcase reflecting on your progress and practice.
  3. Community Participation: Be involved in VWA events and social gatherings where possible — it's a great way to connect with fellow makers, share knowledge, and grow your network.
  4. Residency Documentation: Maintain a digital folio of your work in progress and finished pieces, and share photos or updates with us regularly. These may be used to help promote your work and the residency program through our newsletter, social media, and exhibitions.
  5. Attendance: Be present in the workshop at least 2 days per week, contributing to the energy, culture, and continuity of the space.
We understand that artists have varying schedules and commitments, and we’re happy to support a flexible approach where possible — what matters most is that residents are active, present, and engaged with the VWA community. Do you confirm that you understand the commitment expected from you?

The VWA workshop is shared by residents, school students, and members. Cleanliness, safety, and mutual respect are essential in maintaining a productive and welcoming environment. Being mindful of others — both in how you use the space and how you interact — is an important part of studio life. I agree to maintain clean and safe shared workspaces and to contribute positively to the shared studio environment as part of my residency.

Please provide contact details for referees who can speak to your suitability for the residency (e.g. mentors, tutors, or former employers - does not have to be industry related).