Please note: to apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date
Oceania Pacific Arts Residency
Key dates
Applications close: Tuesday 4 June 2026 at 11am (AEST)
Online Drop-in Info/Talanoa* sessions:
1: Thursday 7 May, 11am AEST
2: Thursday 14 May, 11am AEST
3: Thursday 21 May, 11am AEST
4: Thursday 28 May, 11am AEST
Register here.
Notification date: Monday 22 June
*a common Pacific term representing a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue used to build relationships, share stories and create understanding.
Details
Eligible artforms:
Community arts and cultural development, Dance, Digital arts, Emerging and experimental arts, First Nations arts and culture, Fashion and textiles, Literature, Music, Multi-art form, Theatre, Visual arts
Residency period: 1 October 2026 – 12 November 2026
Location: Oceania Centre, Suva, Fiji
Amount: $9,000 NZD (circa $7,373 AUD)
Contact
If you would like advice on your application, please contact international@creativeaustralia.gov.au .
About the opportunity
This residency is a tri-nations partnership between Creative New Zealand, Creative Australia and the Oceania Centre at The University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
The programme will select one artist from each country (Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Fiji) to take part in a shared six-week residency at the Oceania Centre.
The residency supports established Pacific creatives to develop their arts practice and to grow relationships and networks across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.
All three selected artists will develop new work themed around Climate Change, a priority under Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy and a pressing security issue for the peoples of the Pacific Islands.
Image supplied by the University of the South Pacific
Who can apply
Eligibility criteria for Australian artists
Artists must:
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be an established* artist or arts practitioner
- be committed to a long-term engagement with the Pacific region
- have a specific creative project proposal aligned to the Climate Change theme to work on during the residency
- be in Suva on 1 October – 12 November 2026
- be able to present and engage professionally and with mana with overseas contacts and representatives
- must not have an overdue Creative Australia grant report or owe money to Creative Australia.
*Established artist – at least 10 years arts experience and must have exhibited, presented or published their work nationally or internationally.
For Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji artists, please see the eligibility criteria on the Creative New Zealand website.
Who cannot apply
Arts organisations and groups cannot apply to this opportunity.
See the eligibility criteria for Aotearoa New Zealand artists and Fiji artists.
What is offered
The residency supports established artists to live and develop their artistic practice in Suva, Fiji.
The residency provides:
- artist fee of $9,000 NZD (approx $7,373 AUD)
- return travel to Suva, Fiji from New Zealand or Australia
- accommodation and per diems whilst on the residency
- $4,000NZD ($3,273AUD) for project costs (e.g. insurance, materials, venue and equipment hire, promotion, ground transport, internet, local mentorship)
- networking and engagement opportunities.
How to apply
Submit your Expression of Interest with this form: Oceania Pacific Arts Residency 2026
You can submit one application.
Submissions close at 11am (AEST) on Thursday 4 June 2026
What to include
- your bio: website(s), links to your work, awards
- your idea: information on key ideas, links to Climate Change theme, how your project links to the Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028, Creative Australia strategies, local impact and engagement, local workshops in Suva, Fiji.
- What do you want to do during this residency and why is being based in Fiji significant to you?
- How will this build on previous work and why is it important that you do this now?
- How will this allow you to take risks, develop new ideas and contribute to the growth of your arts practice?
- What do you want to do during this residency and why is being based in Fiji significant to you?
- You do not need to include a budget in your submission.
How your application is assessed
Assessment criteria
Applications will be considered according to the assessment criteria below:
1. Artistic merit
- suitability of your practice to the residency program and its artistic environment/offer
- quality of work previously produced, and public and peer response to your work.
2. Viability
- suitability of your proposal to the residency program
- the skills and artistic ability of your collaborators (if applicable) and their relevance to the proposed activity
- realistic and achievable planning, resource use and evaluation.
3. Impact on career
- how the proposed activity strengthens your artistic practice
- the relevance and timeliness of the proposed activity
- how the proposed activity strengthens your capacity as an arts professional, particularly in relation to international development and collaboration.
Who assesses your application
Your application is assessed by a panel of representatives from Creative New Zealand, Creative Australia, Oceania Centre and peer expert artists.
Decision-making
The assessment panel creates a shortlist of recommended recipients for Creative New Zealand to select from.
Creative New Zealand's Senior Manager Pacific Arts, in consultation with Creative Australia and Oceania Centre, approves the final selection.
Who to talk to
Access
If you identify as Deaf or disabled, or experience disability or an impairment and require access support, please let us know what your access requirements are.
Frequently asked questions
Are the residency dates flexible?
The residencies are offered for fixed dates and periods of time from 1 October – 12 November 2026.
If successful, am I able to extend my stay abroad?
Yes, but this will be at your own cost and we will not be able to provide additional funds towards the extension.
Do I have to provide a budget?
No. You are not required to provide a budget with your application.
Do I have to provide a timetable of activities in my application?
There is no requirement for you to provide a timetable of your activities.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. If successful, you are required to take out travel insurance for the duration of your residency. The Residency provides a budget for insurance.
If I am successful, am I able to take my partner, child or both?
The studio is suitable for a single artist or couple. Children may be able to be accommodated, but please get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements before application.
Is the grant I receive as part of my residency considered taxable income?
Yes, the grant to an individual that accompanies a residency is considered income and taxable. Please visit the New Zealand Tax Office or Australian Taxation Office website for more information.
Will this residency be offered every year?
This is a pilot program. We look forward to receiving feedback from the participants about the residency experience.
I have already received a Creative New Zealand or Creative Australia residency, am I eligible for another residency?
Yes, as long as you have satisfactorily acquitted the previous residency grant.
If I have to take time off from my job to do a residency, what sort of compensation will I receive?
The grant is not intended to cover lost income or rent at home and applicants will need to consider their capacity to undertake the residency prior to applying.
What information, resources and contacts will I receive if I am successful?
Successful applicants will be provided with detailed information ahead of their residency, along with introductions to the residency providers who will assist artists with making local connections. Our staff are able to provide further advice and contacts, as requested. Artists are also expected to have their own resources, contacts and project plans for the residency.
What can I use the grant for?
The grant is a contribution from Creative New Zealand and Creative Australia toward your travel (including airfares and travel insurance) and living costs during the residency period. Applicants are expected to research the cost of living in the residency location they are travelling to. You may need to supplement the grant with your own funds depending on your projected costs for the residency period.
Can you provide assistance with applying for international visas?
We cannot provide any advice on visa or immigration matters. You must contact the relevant country’s visa service to get current information. We suggest you allow plenty of time to apply for all international visas.
Is this residency accessible to artists with disability?
Additional access requirements during a residency may be accommodated upon request.
