Arts Residencies in Merri-bek

Merri-bek Performing Arts Residency 2026

Expressions of Interest for the 2026 Merri-bek Performing Arts Residency Program are now closed. Applications for the 2027 residency will open in late 2026.

Previous successful recipients  

    •  Hani El-Rafei and Shannan Lim
    • Tony Yap and collaborators 
    • Aviva Endean
    • Alisdair Macindoe and Carly Sheppard
    • Chelsea Byrne
    • Lily Fish
    • Mitch Jones
    • Lucy Eidelson
    • Georgina Luck
    • Joel Bray Dance
    • Gabrielle Fallen

About the venue

The venue is a dedicated art space located at 1A Main St, Coburg. It is managed by Arts Merri-bek and has been a venue for creative development since 2024.

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

The Merri-bek Performing Arts Residency 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 for the 2027 residency will open in late 2026.

Who Can Apply?
Merri-bek Performing Arts Residency 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/improv comedians, and physical theatre/circus performers.

To be eligible 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.

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 June 2026 for Council's community venues. 

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