Young Creatives in Residence

Take your creative practice to the next level!

Are you an emerging artist aged 18–25 looking for space, mentorship, and real opportunities to grow? The Young Creatives in Residence (YCIR) program is your chance to develop your craft in a supportive, youth focused environment at the Phoenix Youth Hub in Footscray. 

Over 12 weeks (completed between May–September 2026), two selected young creatives will receive: 

• A development pathway plan – developed between young person and Maribyrnong Youth staff to determine their goals and define an action plan for the residency and beyond
•  A dedicated space (Arts Studio, Bunker or Auditorium)
• A stipend of $500 for materials and resources
• Access to a professional mentor suitable to your goals
• Access to equipment and resources (For example – Music/ recording/ podcast equipment, art supplies etc.) at Phoenix Youth Hub
• Regular support from Maribyrnong Youth staff to set goals and track progress 

You'll spend time at Phoenix Youth Hub, working on your goals, experimenting, and building something you’re proud of!

Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, performer, designer, or multidisciplinary creative, this residency is designed to help you grow. 

Expectations

During the residency period Young Creatives are expected to:

• Produce a creative outcome for public viewing and/or
• Facilitate a creative workshop for young people within the age range of 12 to 25 years at Phoenix Youth Hub

Who can apply 

You must be: 

• Aged 18–25 during period of residency
• Have a connection to the City of Maribyrnong - live, work, study, or hang out 
• Able to commit to the residency period (May to September)
• Ready to share examples of your work and outline your creative goals 

Selection Criteria

• All eligible applications and attached examples of work will be reviewed by a selection panel with representatives from Maribyrnong Youth, Arts and Culture, and Amplify Committee. 
  
  The decision of the selection panel is final.
  
  The winning application will be selected and young person notified by Friday 8 May.
  
  Selection criteria:
• Being a young person between the ages of 18 to 25 throughout the residency period
  
• Connection to the City of Maribyrnong (live, work, study, recreate)
• Clearly demonstrate through the application how this residency will help further creative practice with an outline of goals and preferred structure for the residency.
  
• Examples of previous or current works in progress • Ability to commit to residency timeline (May to September 2026)

Residency guide

For full details please read the before applying - Young Creatives Residency Program Guide(PDF, 280KB)

Applications

Applications for the Young Creatives in Residence program 2026 will be accepted through the following period:

Applications Open – 9am, 30 March 2026
Application Close – 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026

Application Requirements
Young people aged 18 to 25 with a connection to the City of Maribyrnong are welcome to apply and will be required to complete a 1-2 page document that outlines the following:

1. Tell us about you and your creative practice
2. What are your goals, or what you hope to achieve at the end of the residency?
3. What would a typical week during the residency look like for you?

At the conclusion of your residency, you’ll be expected to lead a workshop and/or present your work publicly—this could take the form of a performance, exhibition etc. How would you like to do this?

5. Support material:

• 6 – 10 images or up to 4 videos of works in one document (maximum 5 pages)
  
• Links to online examples of work – IE YouTube, Bandcamp etc.
  
• Website or Instagram 

If you are interested in applying please click link below to register your details and we will send you some further application details:

Submit your expression of interest here

More information

For more information or to discuss your suitability in more detail, please contact us on 9091 4700 or email youth@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au