Cocoon Creative Residency

Who is COCOON for?
COCOON is open to artists at all stages of their creative development. You might be an emerging artist finding your feet, an established artist wanting to experiment, or someone returning to a creative practice after time away.

We welcome a variety of creative disciplines, including painting, printmaking, drawing, collage, sewing, poetry, writing, dance, music and other art forms that suit the shared gallery environment. Activities need to be suitable for an indoor space and can't involve excessive wet mess.

You don't need to be working towards an exhibition to participate. Your residency might be about developing a body of work for a future exhibition, preparing to sell your art, exploring your style or techniques, or simply investing in your own creative growth.

What does the residency offer?
Your own creative space
A fully air-conditioned studio space.
24/7 access, so you can work whenever it suits you.
Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities.
The freedom to decide when and how often you come in. There is no expectation that you attend every day.

Creative mentorship and support
I (Heather) am an artist, teacher, mentor and Gallery Manager at Darwin Visual Arts, and will be available to talk through your ideas and support your creative development. With years of experience mentoring artists, I can help you explore your techniques, develop your artistic voice, work through creative blocks, consider where your practice might lead, or think about exhibiting and selling your work.
The Darwin Visual Arts team will also provide practical support throughout your residency.

Connection with other creatives
Creating art can sometimes feel like a solitary journey. COCOON is an opportunity to be part of a creative community, share ideas and enjoy the encouragement that comes from being around other artists. We may also organise occasional informal community catch-ups over a shared meal.

An opportunity to share your work
Participating artists will be invited to take part in an artist interview, which will be shared as part of an online artist profile. There will also be an optional exhibition opportunity at the end of the residency, planned for late February 2027.

How long can I participate?
The program runs from December 2026 to February 2027, with residency options of one, two or three months, subject to availability.
You can discuss your preferred dates and the length of time that would best support your creative goals when you apply.

What does it cost?
The residency costs $65 per week, with payment plans available. You can choose to come for 1month, 2 months or 3months.

How do I apply?
We want to understand what you're hoping to explore and how COCOON might support you. Applications will be reviewed to determine which artists and creative practices are best suited to the available space.
To express your interest, email Heather at generalmanagerdvaa@gmail.com with:
- A short description of approximately 100–200 words outlining what you hope to explore or achieve during your residency.
- A few photographs or examples of your work, or a link to your portfolio.
- Your preferred start date and whether you're interested in one, two or three months.

Once we've received your expression of interest, you can arrange a conversation or even drop into the gallery and have a chat with me and discuss your ideas, ask questions, and explore whether COCOON is the right fit for you.

You don't need to arrive with a finished plan or a clear picture of what comes next. You just need a willingness to make space for your creativity. I would love to hear what you're dreaming of, what you'd like to explore and how COCOON might help you take your next creative step.