Applications now open for funded Sunshine Coast dance residency

DANCE.HERE.NOWContemporary dance artists from across Australia are invited to submit an expression of interest for a funded residency on the Sunshine Coast.

The residency is offered by ArtsCoast, Sunshine Coast Council’s arts platform, in partnership with dance theatre company L.J.Projects. The successful dance artist will receive three weeks studio space in Nambour; a contribution towards expenses of $8000 and local industry support.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said “the residency was just one of the initiatives offered through council’s three-year DANCE.HERE.NOW program, which aimed to strengthen the region’s dance sector,” said Cr Baberowski.

“We’re looking to build the capacity and recognition of local artists as well as encourage new dance artists to the Sunshine Coast. The aim is to support artists to test, develop and realise ideas and build connections within and beyond the region for sector sustainability.

“Artists will collaborate with Sunshine Coast based artists, host open classes and present a small industry-showing on completion of the residency,” said Cr Baberowski..

Sunshine Coast Council’s Creative Development leader Megan Rowland said the residency was open to individual artists or collectives nationally with a professional contemporary dance practice.

“We’re particularly interested in artists who are embracing digital and emerging technologies in their practice and inter-disciplinary artists” said Ms Rowland. “First Nations dance practitioners are encouraged to apply, with priority given to Kabi Kabi and Jinibara artists.”

DANCE.HERE.NOW is a key deliverable of council’s 20-year Arts Plan, which aims to grow, develop and promote the local arts sector, and is supported by The Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.


Applications for the Professional Funded Dance Residency are being accepted until 18 April 2022. The residency will take place in June. For more information and to apply, visit: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.

Image: Performers rehearsing a new dance work (supplied)