Studio1 and BlakDance invite Expressions of Interest from Queensland-connected Brisbane based First Nations dance artists for a two-week creative residency in 2026.

About the residency

The residency will provide dedicated time, space and financial support for an independent First Nations artist to develop a new or existing contemporary dance or body-based work.

The program supports First Nations artists to work with creative independence, cultural safety and self-determination. It also forms part of a broader partnership between Studio1 and BlakDance to strengthen culturally safe practice and First Nations engagement within the independent dance sector.

The residency may support:

• the early exploration of a new artistic idea

• further development of an existing work

• choreographic or movement research

• experimentation across dance and other body-based practices

• cultural and creative research appropriate for a studio-based residency

• collaboration with other artists, where achievable within the available budget

The residency is for creative development. Applicants are not required to deliver a finished work or public performance.

What artists receive

The successful artist will receive:

• a two-week residency at Studio1 between June and December 2026

• a $5,000 artist contribution

• dedicated studio space for creative development

• up to $1,200 for a cultural mentor nominated by the artist

• producing and administrative support from Studio1

• connection with BlakDance through the residency partnership

• an artist-led development process focused on the needs of the work

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander dance artists who:

• are independent artists or lead an independent artistic practice

• have a connection to Queensland through culture, residence or creative practice

• work in contemporary dance, choreography, movement or another body-based practice

• have an idea or existing work that would benefit from two weeks of focused studio development

• are available to undertake the residency between June and December 2026

• are willing to participate in planning and reflection conversations with Studio1 and BlakDance

Artists may propose to work independently or with collaborators. If collaborators are included, the application must explain how the available artist contribution will be allocated across the team.

Artists at any career stage are welcome to apply.

Cultural safety and self-determination

The selected artist will retain creative control of their work and ownership of all new artistic material generated through the residency.

Any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property remains with the relevant artist, Traditional Owners, Knowledge Holders or cultural custodians. ICIP will not be documented, reproduced, shared or used without appropriate free, prior and informed consent.

The selected artist may nominate a cultural mentor to support their residency. A separate fee of up to $1,200 has been allocated for this role. Applicants do not need to confirm their mentor before submitting the EOI but should indicate who they may wish to work with, where possible.

Studio1 and BlakDance are committed to providing a safe and respectful working environment. Access, cultural and participation requirements will be discussed with the successful applicant before the residency begins.

KEY DATES

EOIs close: September 30th 2026

Applicants notified: by October 16th 2026

Residency dates (Two weeks): 

16th November - 20th November (Mon - Fri): Residency Week One.

23rd November - 27th November (Mon - Fri): Residency Week Two.

Location: Studio1, 190 Station Rd, Yeerongpilly QLD 4105