UPDATE: DEADLINE EXTENDED to 31 JAN 2011. Two more weeks to apply, what are you waiting for?!!

Panoramic image of Melbourne (source)

The Australia-Malaysia Institute (AMI) Visual Arts Residency Programme at Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne, Australia

We are delighted to announce that the Australia-Malaysia Institute (AMI), with the support of the Australian High Commission Kuala Lumpur, has established an eight-week Australian residency program for a Malaysian artist. The program aims to develop the successful artist’s artistic practice by creating new work and extending professional contacts.  The purpose of this residency is to promote cultural understanding and to encourage cross-cultural links between Malaysia and Australia.  The residency will encourage further partnerships between Malaysian and Australian artists and arts institutions.  This program is a wonderful opportunity for a Malaysian artist to work in Australia and further build the artistic linkages between our two countries.

Timing
The 2011 residency programme will take place from 4 April – 30 May 2011.

Eligibility
The AMI Visual Arts Residency Programme for 2011 is open to all Malaysian artists. Artists should have a minimum of 3 years experience as a practising artist and have had some international experience in the artistic field.

Selection criteria:

• a commitment to contemporary issues and methodologies
• quality of practice
• a demonstrated interest in Australia
• a project proposal which will benefit from the artist being located in Australia.

Personal Qualities
Applicants need to demonstrate that they:

• have high professional standards
• are independent, resourceful, responsible and self-reliant; the resident artist to will be required to plan and manage their own work program.
• have a willingness to communicate and share ideas, knowledge and information
• have a flexible, adaptable, positive and confident personal style
• are committed to developing artistic links between Malaysia and Australia.

Residential Host
Gertrude Contemporary is a contemporary art complex of gallery spaces and studio facilities located in Fitzroy, about a kilometre from the central business district of Melbourne. Gertrude Contemporary is a leading contemporary art space which initiates cultural exchange and professional development projects that contribute to the contemporary culture of artists, writers and curators in Australia and internationally.

Facilities
The residency covers a return airfare to Melbourne, accommodation and per diems for the duration of the residency.  It also includes the full use of Studio 18, a residential studio, located on the top floor of the studio complex at Gertrude Contemporary. Studio 18 is a self contained open plan studio and living space, approximately 96m2, with good natural and artificial light. It encompasses a small kitchen equipped with cooking facilities, a private bathroom, mezzanine bed space, telephone, internet connection, a TV and furniture.

Application Process and Deadlines

Application materials
Applications must include the following material:

• full contact details including current postal address, telephone and facsimile numbers, e-mail and website addresses (if relevant)
• photocopy of IC and Passport
• an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (including date of birth, education and training undertaken and listing exhibitions, awards, publications etc.)
• up to 8 slides of recent work (or digital images if necessary) and/or VHS/DVD video (if applicable).  Please include a brief description of each slide submitted and the work being shown.
• an artists’ statement explaining your work and the issues dealt with.
• a recommendation letter from a recognised institution and/or gallery.
• a letter outlining the reasons for your interest in the residency, how it will benefit your artistic practice and what you hope to achieve.

Application Process and Deadline
To apply please revert with the necessary materials (listed above) to:

E-mail: AMIresidency AT gmail DOT com

Deadline for applications: 5 January 2011 EXTENDED TO 31 January 2011