Arts Residencies in Merri-bek

Coburg Court House Residency Program 2026

Expressions of Interest for the 2026 Coburg Courthouse Residency Program are open and close Tuesday 28 October, 5pm.

Previous successful recipients  

    •  Hani El-Rafei and Shannan Lim
    • Tony Yap and collaborators 
    • Aviva Endean
    • Alisdair Macindoe and Carly Sheppard
    • Chelsea Byrne
    • Lily Fish
    • Audax M. Gawler

About Coburg Court House

The Coburg Court House is a dedicated art space located at 1A Main St, Coburg (next to the old Coburg Police Station). It is managed by Arts Merri-bek.

Originally built in 1929, the building long served as a courthouse before becoming a community facility. In 2024 it began its legacy as a venue for creative development.

It is a highly versatile rehearsal space for emerging, mid-career and professional artists. The space features high ceilings, heating/cooling system, accessible entrance, large windows with curtains and 1 accessible unisex bathroom. It is centrally located within close distance of Coburg Station.

About the Residency Program

Coburg Courthouse Residency Program is suitable for performing artists and producers to develop a new or existing work. Arts Merri-bek will provide the space for free for up to three-months. 

Applications are now open for the 2026 residency program. Applications close Tuesday 28 October, 5pm.

For more information on how to apply, please see our Coburg Courthouse Residency 2026 Guidelines. (PDF 436Kb)

Who Can Apply?

Coburg Courthouse Residency Program is suitable for any artist who primarily works in the performing arts. This can include dancers, theatre-makers, actors, sound artists, spoken word performers, stand-up/imrpov comedians, and physical theatre/circus performers.

To be eligable applicants need live or work in Merri-bek. The program encourages applications from Merri-bek's Human Rights Priority Groups (PDF 522Kb).

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed and selected based on the following criteria: 

  • Performing artists who live or work in Merri-bek.
  • A clearly articulated creative brief demonstrating strong artistic practice.
  • Demonstrated need for the rehearsal space.
  • Priority will be given to artists who identify as a member of Merri-bek's Human Rights Priority groups.

To Apply 

  • Complete the application form available here
  • Applications close at 5pm on 28 October 2025.

For further information, please contact arts@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Community Venues for arts-based activities

We have several community venues that may be suitable for your arts-based activities.

We're trialling not-for-profit rates for artists until December 2025 for Council's community venues. 

See the list of venues on our Spaces for arts activities page.