Respected nationally and internationally, Gertrude’s Studio Program supports outstanding artists at pivotal moments in their careers, and has been at the core of the organisation since its founding more than four decades ago.
Gertrude manages sixteen highly subsidised artist studios located at Gertrude Contemporary, 21-31 High Street, Preston South. The studios are co-located with Gertrude’s public exhibition spaces and the organisation’s offices. Studio artists have use of shared communal spaces and workshop facilities on-site. Please note that the studios are non-residential.
Gertrude invites applications from contemporary artists of any generation and working in any medium to express their interest in the two-year program.
— This program is intended for professional artists whose work reflects the rich intersectionality of contemporary arts practice, including sculpture, painting, performance, installation, photography, video, drawing, contemporary dance, and experimental practices.
— Each year eight artists are invited into the program, with new artists moving in progressively across the year.
— Gertrude offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist each year. Applications for this fully subsidised studio are assessed and determined by a panel led by First Nations artists and arts industry peers.
— General applications are considered by an advisory committee composed of Gertrude staff, a current Gertrude Studio Artist, a former Gertrude Studio Artist and an external curator or arts professional.
Gertrude encourages applications from First Nations artists, as well as people living at the intersections of cultural, linguistic, gender-diverse and d/Deaf or disabled experiences. Gertrude is committed to providing a culturally safe space and respectful workplace in dialogue with all staff and participating artists.
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Monday 20 October 2025.
Please contact Gertrude in advance of the application deadline, no later than 4pm on Friday 17 October, to discuss any individual access or alternative submission requirements.
Studios, access, and fees
The sixteen studios are each approximately 32 square metres in size, individually lockable, stud-walled, and have open ceilings. The grid ceiling can be easily reconfigured for mounting, suspending and power utility. Artists in the program also have access to shared workshops. Gertrude has internet access, air conditioning and heating throughout. Access to the studios is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
While highly subsidised, there is a monthly fee of $300 (inc GST) for each studio as well as a refundable bond of $300. Gertrude offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist (see Eligibility, Selection and Cultural Safety below).
Studios become available on a rolling schedule throughout the calendar year. Intake timing will be discussed with successful applicants.
Exhibition outcomes
As part of the Studio Program, artists are offered a month-long solo exhibition at Gertrude Glasshouse, a standalone project space in Collingwood. Gertrude provides artist fees and a production budget for these solo exhibitions.
Studio Artists also present work within the annual Gertrude Studios exhibitions, a highly anticipated group exhibition presenting new and recent works by all artists in the program. Gertrude provides an artist fee for participation in this exhibition.
All exhibitions at Gertrude Contemporary and Gertrude Glasshouse include curatorial and installation support, marketing and professional exhibition documentation.
Professional development opportunities
The Gertrude Studio Program offers professional development opportunities through facilitated studio visits by Australian and international curators and museum directors, as well as introductions to gallerists, collectors, and visiting artists.
Artists in the program are encouraged to participate in the organisation's activities, which may include studio visits, open studios, public programs, and educational initiatives. Participation in public and education programs is remunerated.
Application details
Submissions
Application forms are completed via the Google Forms link below. A fully completed application consists of:
1. Completed Google Forms application
2. Uploaded Support Materials (within the Google Forms application) consisting of:
— Artist CV (2 pages max), and
— Support Materials (Artist CV + Visual Support Material + Links if relevant)
Instructions on how to use Google Forms or create an account are available online. Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilise Google Forms to submit their applications. However, if you do not have a Google Account and do not wish to create an account, contact us for alternative application formats.
Upon submission of their application, applicants will receive a Google Forms notification email acknowledging their submission and a copy of their application for reference. If you have not received a notification, please check Spam or review your submission to ensure you have submitted it correctly.
Support Materials
Support materials are utilised by the selection committee to review your practice in more detail. Support materials should include an Artist CV and recent examples of artworks or creative outcomes. Material exceeding the limits below will not be reviewed by the committee.
Use the following naming convention for each file: LastNameFirstName_SupportMaterial/CV.
1. File One: Artist CV
— 2 pages maximum, accepted file formats: PDF/DOC/DOCX)
2. File Two: Visual Support Material
— 1 document/presentation, 10 pages max, 1 image per page
— Each image accompanied by a caption noting: work title, medium, year, dimensions
— 10mb file size max
— Accepted file formats: PDF/DOC/DOCX/PPT/PPTX
3. Optional Video or Audio Links
— Include up to three URLs, each video/audio 3 minutes max in length
— URLs for YouTube, SoundCloud, Vimeo or similar media hosting platforms
— Include relevant passwords
— Ensure sharing permissions are set to public and that URLs are correct and functioning.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the application copy they receive to confirm their Support Materials have been uploaded. Responsibility lies with applicants to ensure correct submission procedures are followed.
Application process accessibility
Please contact Gertrude via apply@gertrude.org.au or 03 9480 0068 to discuss alternative application formats.
Dedicated First Nations Studio
Each year, Gertrude offers a fully subsidised studio for a First Nations artist. The fully-subsidised studio opportunity is open to First Nations peoples across the continent now known as Australia. Applicants for the fully subsidised studio will be assessed and determined by a panel of First Nations representatives.
Cultural Safety
Gertrude is strongly committed to cultural diversity and cultural safety in all aspects of our program and operations. For applicants who wish to read more about how we are demonstrating this, please read our First Peoples Cultural Competency and Cultural Safety Framework.
Gertrude encourages collegiate participation in the community the organisation fosters and discourages anti-social behaviours. Bullying and harassment of staff or artists is not tolerated at Gertrude.
Eligibility and Selection
Successful applications are selected based on the quality of work, artistic commitment, and the benefit to the development of their practice.
Joint or group applications are accepted from artists who have a demonstrable history of prior collaboration with each other.
Artists who have previously participated in the Gertrude Studio Program are ineligible to apply.
Artists currently or intending to study during the residency period are ineligible to apply. Please note, this does not apply to the Dedicated First Nations studio opportunity.
Successful applicants must be based in Naarm Melbourne, for the period of the residency. International applicants are responsible for arranging their own visas to live and work in Australia. Gertrude is unable to sponsor applications.
Artists participating in the Gertrude Studio Program are required to have their own insurance covering, including Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Personal Accident. A certificate of currency will be requested at commencement. It is not required at the time of application. The National Association for Visual Artists (NAVA) offers a suitable policy at a discounted rate through their Premium Plus Membership tier.
Panel decisions are final and cannot be negotiated.
Unsuccessful applications are eligible to reapply in any future rounds.
Apply
Draft and complete your application via this Google Form.
Late applications will not be accepted or considered.
Key Dates
— Applications open: Wednesday 17 September 2025
— Applications close: 11:59pm, Monday 20 October 2025
— Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified: Late November 2025
— Public announcement of successful studio applicants: Early December 2025
Enquiries
Please address all enquiries to apply@gertrude.org.au. Enquiries must be discussed with Gertrude before 4pm, Friday 17 October 2025.
