Journal - Entry
The Farm Margaret River: Fully Funded Western Australia Artist Residency
Guide to The Farm Margaret River residency offering AUD $7,500 grants for 5-8 week site-responsive visual art residencies on Wardandi Noongar land.
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The Farm Margaret River: Fully Funded Western Australia Artist Residency
The Farm Margaret River is a leading arts residency program in Western Australia, offering fully funded residencies for artists developing site-responsive work on Wardandi Noongar land.
What's Included
The AUD $7,500 grant covers:
- All residency fees and costs
- Self-contained studio accommodation
- Mentorship and connections with major arts organizations
- Project support
- Initial travel expenses to property
- Materials and equipment during residency
- Food and freight costs
- Insurance premiums
- All out-of-pocket expenses
Duration
5-8 weeks (February - October)
Program Focus
The Farm specifically supports:
- Site-responsive projects engaging with the land
- Rigorous research and experimentation
- Dialogue about land and human relationships
- Artists committed to place-based work
Requirement
Artists must create a work on the property, aligned with their proposal and previous practice.
The Land
Located on Wardandi Noongar Country:
- Ancient, ever-evolving natural environment
- Sacred caves nearby
- Karri forests
- Rugged coastline
- Margaret River wine region
Application Details
2026 Applications
- Open: March 1, 2025
- Deadline: June 2, 2025, 5:00 PM AWST
- Residency period: February - October 2026
Competition
The 2026 call received 700+ applications from around the world.
2026 Recipients
- Funded Residency: Noriko Tomita
- Highly Acclaimed Award: Jen Valender
Selection
Judging panel includes:
- Established artists and curators
- Changes annually
- 2026 panel: Olga Cironis, Margaret Moore, Christopher Young
The Farm Experience
Studio and Accommodation
- Self-contained living space
- Studio integrated with accommodation
- Immersive property experience
- Rural, contemplative setting
The Region
Margaret River offers:
- World-renowned wine region
- Surf beaches
- Karri and Jarrah forests
- Caves and geology
- Artist communities
- 3 hours south of Perth
Program Support
- Mentorship from established artists
- Connections with major arts organizations
- Curatorial guidance
- Project development support
Program History
Now in its eighth year, The Farm has hosted artists from:
- Australia
- Europe
- New Zealand
Past residents include:
- Cassie Sullivan
- Danae Stratou
- Chris Booth
- Cora Jongsma
- Nathalie Hartog-Gautier
- Harrison Riekie
Application Tips
- Site-responsive focus - Demonstrate engagement with land and place
- Research the property - Understand the specific environment
- Clear project vision - What will you create on site?
- Previous practice - Show relevant experience
- Respect for Country - Acknowledge Wardandi Noongar land
Practical Considerations
Location
- Margaret River region, Western Australia
- 3 hours drive from Perth
- Car essential
- Remote property
Climate
- Mediterranean climate
- Mild, wet winters
- Warm, dry summers
- Variable spring/autumn
Getting There
- Fly to Perth (PER)
- Rent car or arrange transport
- Initial travel expenses covered
Why Choose The Farm?
- Fully funded - $7,500 covers everything
- Site-responsive focus - Unique program philosophy
- Spectacular landscape - Ancient Noongar Country
- Professional support - Mentorship and connections
- Extended duration - 5-8 weeks for deep work
How to Apply
- Visit thefarmmargaretriver.com.au/residency
- Review application guidelines
- Prepare proposal and portfolio
- Submit during open application period
- Await selection results
Related Resources
Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on The Farm Margaret River website.