COFA Residencies

Fowler's Gap

  
RESIDENCIES

Fowler's Gap Residencies

ILIRI administers an artist residency program located at  University of New South Wales Fowler's Gap Research Station. Situated in the arid zone of far western New South Wales, 112 km from the town of Broken Hill, the residencies afford a unique opportunity to conduct research and develop studio-based work in an outback, desert environment.

Australian and international artists who have a research-based practice, visual arts researchers and research students are eligible to apply.

Fowler's Gap Research Station is a scientific research station which covers 38,888 hectares of arid zone country.The station is accessible by dirt road from Broken Hill. 4wd drive vehicles are recommended as rain can make roads impassable for normal vehicles. Because of extreme summer temperatures, residencies are only available in the cooler months, between 1st April and 31st October.

(Image: Aerial shot of the Fowlers Gap complex)

An operations/homestead centre, library, science collections, and workshops are administered by a full-time director and staff who live on-site.

Residency accommodation is available in four different venues:

• The Ochre House
• The Flat
• The Quarters
• The Cottages

(For images, click on link at bottlom of page)

The Ochre House

 A purpose built artist studio with living quarters (equipped kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area) is situated 15km from the Fowler's Gap operational complex and accessable by 4wd vehicle.

It is supplied by solar and wind generated electricity for lighting, refrigeration and power outlets, while LPG gas supplies energy for cooking and heating. Drinking water is supplied from a tank which collects rainwater from the studio roof.  Non-potable water supply is drawn from surface run-off.

Communication to the operations/homestead centre is by satellite phone which is supplied by the Research Station for the duration of the residency. Mobile phones do not work in this region.

The Flat

Situated within walking distance from the operations/homestead centre, the flat (similar to an apartment) contains an equipped kithchen, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms. It is suitable for accommodating four people, but has no studio workspace. Electricity, water, linen and towels are supplied.


The Quarters

The Quarters were originally constructed to house shearers who came annually to cut wool from the thousands of sheep then on the Research Station.

It is situated within walking distance of the operations/homestead centre and comprises a fully equipped commercial kitchen, a large dining/conference/dormitory room accommodating around 40 people, and toilet and shower facilities. Accommodation is available in simple rooms furnished with 2 beds and bedside table. The rooms open onto wide verandahs, protected by insect screens, with work tables and chairs. International and local calls can be made on a public pay phone at The Quarters. Linen and towels are provided.

The Cottages

Self-contained houses, each offering accomodation for up to 9 people, are suitable for smaller group stays. Fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom, laundry and outdoor clothes line, with two and three-bed rooms comprise the facilities. All are within walking distance of the operations/homestead centre.

LINK  Fowler's Gap Website   LINK Application Form   LINK  Fowler's Gap Photo Gallery

For more information email Juliana O'Dean.


International Association of Residential Art Centres  (RES ARTIS)

ILIRI is a member of RES ARTIS, an organisation which represents over 190 residential art centres from 51 countries. RES ARTIS offers artists opportunities of residencies worldwide and their listings can be accessed from the link below.

LINK   RES ARTIS website