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Looking to further your practice in a supported, affordable and central studio?

Further your practice with the mini-Mental Residency Program! 

Mental aims to support emerging and established artists and writers from the Southern Highlands to create new work in the supportive environment of our gallery and studio space in Bong Bong Street in Bowral. Mental provides an inspirational space to spark your creative ideas and connect with a range of opportunities. Our mini-Mental Residency program gives you the independence and freedom to create your best work - with the support of a professional studio environment and network of practicing artists and writers. You can apply for a residency of a two-week or four-week duration.

 

What is offered?

  • Access to Mental from 7am to 7pm seven days a week. 

  • A private, furnished studio space (~12m2) in which to work.

  • Access to internet, equipment and tools, including AV production.

  • Assistance and mentorship in developing your goals, inclusive of weekly 1-to-1 professional development sessions over the course of the residency.

  • Assistance in marketing and profile building through Mental’s network; including online, social media and within the gallery space.

  • 6-month membership to SuppleMental

  • 50% discounted admission to all Mental events and workshops for the duration of the residency

  • All required insurances for your work and any associated events during the residency


General Information:

 

  • The mini-Mental Residency costs $450 for two weeks, and $850 for four weeks duration. This does not include meals or materials

  • In addition; Residents may be provided specialist feedback and advice on their work through Mental’s network of practicing professionals and industry experts for an additional cost of $75 per 1-hour session.

  • Residencies can be for research and development or for the creation of new work. Experimentation, boldness and daring is encouraged. The work must not have been exhibited / published prior.

  • Residents are strongly encouraged, with the support of Mental staff to hold a small-scale exhibition, reading, workshop or public appearance towards the end of the residency period. In addition to this, Mental may provide the opportunity to have the artist or writer’s work featured as one of the Mental edition products (Publication, print or limited product)

  • Artists or writers working collaboratively with other creatives are also encouraged to apply. Your project must be genuinely collaborative. 

  • Mental encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and writers to apply.

  • Mental encourages artists and writers who are working with assistance or individual needs to apply.

  • Mental is within walking distance of public transport, amazing cafes and restaurants, supermarkets, galleries, library, and walking trails.

    To begin your application, simply email us here telling us a little about your current practice. Availability depends on other confirmed bookings.

HIRE

HIRE MENTAL BY THE DAY OR HOUR

Use our gallery space for an event, talk or workshop of your own. The space is highly flexible, equipped with AV and recording making it suitable for streaming or online events. Enquire here.

APPLY

mini-MENTAL RESIDENCY NOW OPEN

We have a beautiful furnished studio available through the mini-Mental supported residency program for two or four weeks. Look into it here.

LEARN

COMPUTER SAYS YES. FINALLY.

We hadn't heard of CREATIVE CODING until we met Jim Pettigre either. Programming meets visual delight and you can learn all about it!

VOLUNTEER

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM FOR YOUR TIME?

We are looking for keen and friendly volunteers to assist with administration, workshop and studio facilitation. If you are interested in learning and doing around the arts then get in touch.

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