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Arts Tasmania Residency

Arts Tasmania funds four-week residencies at Tasmanian locations each year, including Poatina Arts. Click here for more details and to apply.

Poatina Arts seeks to be a thriving hive of inspired creativity where people can come alive. Poatina Arts is located in Poatina Village - a 1950’s Hydro-built village on a north-facing spur of the Great Western Tiers, between Northern Midlands farmlands and a highland World Heritage Conservation Area. 

It is a close-knit collaborative community of just over 100 people, many of whom are practicing artists of different disciplines. The community is committed to creativity, learning and service, and is informed by Christian values. 

Artists from all backgrounds and artforms are welcome, with applicants encouraged to engage with the local community and its artists. This residency offers many opportunities for cross-pollination, practical contribution and mutual support. 

There may be opportunity to work with students of Capstone College, a special assistance school with an arts focus located in Poatina, and/or to mount an exhibition at the Poatina Tree Art Gallery either during or after the residency.

Accommodation is either in a 1950s brick house, or mountain cottage, and may be shared with other artists. It may be possible for children to accompany parents or carer-givers, by negotiation (childcare facilities are not provided).  

A simple workspace, separate from accommodation, will be provided.  Other Arts facilities, equipment and services are available for hire, with pricing structure available here, including:

  • the arts centre and glass studio complex (with space and equipment suitable for visual arts, glassblowing, kiln-formed glass, flame-worked glass and silversmithing)
  • community hall with performing arts facilities
  • basic pottery studio
  • recording studio
  • art gallery
  • technical assistance for some facilities/equipment

Other facilities include the Poatina Chalet accommodation and conferencing centre, a tea lounge, general store, post office, service station, gift shop, golf course, and bushwalking tracks - all in a vibrant bushland setting with mountain and farmland views. The village itself is small and very walkable, including the Arts Centre and surrounding bushland.

True to the era, only some facilities have good disability access, however the site hosts would seek to find the best fit for accommodation and workspace. Due to the nature of the Poatina community, successful applicants will need to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Card. 

Poatina Village is located 45 minutes’ drive from Launceston and 2 hours’ drive from Hobart. A vehicle would be useful as there is no public transport to Poatina. 

When: March-June or August-November

This residency is $5 000 for one artist or $7 500 for two artists.

Funding must be used to cover the residency fee which is $2 000 for four weeks, and includes accommodation, workspace and some onsite support.

More info here: https://www.arts.tas.gov.au/grants_and_loans/tasmanian_residencies/tabs/tasmanian_residency_locations