Resistance is
taking up space
Occupy
Occupy
Occupy
Residency Program
A residency program designed to take up space, spark community connection, and invest in the vibrancy of grassroots arts + culture.
The Occupy Residency is an 11-week program for artists, makers, designers, writers, performers, film makers + multidisciplinary practitioners. Suitable for emerging-to-established creatives who wish to birth a project, get lost in new research, and/or expand their practice.
Hosted at Vacant Assembly in West End, this program dedicates time, space + a mini smorgasbord of resources to push boundaries within creative practice. Made possible by partnerships, patrons + Assemble Art Bank , 4 x residencies will be offered across each year.
UPCOMING
↓
UPCOMING ↓
Vacant Assembly is proud to partner with Aboriginal Art Co to support a First Nations artist to participate in the 3rd round of the Occupy Residency for 2026.
RESIDENCies
Applications Open
July 27th
For Aboriginal + Torres Strait Islanders
Applications Close
17th August
Successful Applicant Announced
17th Oct
Sept 30th - Dec 16th
Feb 2nd - April 19th ‘27
April 23rd - July 9th
July 12th - Sept 27th
Occupy What???
Are you actively exploring new forms of material practice, social engagement, or experimental ways to approach practice? Download Info pack
Next Application Round for the Feb - April 2027 residency (all applications welcome) opens Oct 26th, 2026
Interested in applying + the suitable date range is not open? Submit an expression of interest (EOI)and we will let you know when it opens. Please note that the April - July and September - December are funded for First Nations applicants.
Upcoming Resident -
Solomon Booth
Oct 26th - Dec 16th, 2026
Occupy
Occupy
Occupy
Vacant Assembly and Aboriginal Art Co (our major partners) are excited to annouce that Solomon Booth, will be travelling down from Moa Island (in the Torres Strait) to join us for the Oct - Dec 2026 Residency.
Solomon started dabbling in relief printmaking in 2000
and found that linocut printing was ideal enough that it blends with his melanesian heritage of wood carving that allows for strong and unique mark making. Learning intaglio printing and the challenges involved in creating
etchings allowed Solomon to be more creative and truly expanded his mind to explore other forms of printmaking. Mono printing has really piqued his interest lately. For this upcoming residency, Solomon is looking at Gel plate printing which is a new technique that he hasn’t tried before. He is looking forward to seeing how this new free-style printing can elevate and allow a new way to tell his stories.
Residency Outcome Exhibition
at Aboriginal Art Co
Dec 4th, 2026
SAVE THE DATE…
Artist Residency Talks/ Community Events
TBC
Free event / open to all community
“Vacant Assembly is partnering with local community to build residency opportunities that occupy or take up space. Lets’ push boundaries , create space for more stories + find ways to thrive together”
Occupy Residency
Partners
Image right: Aboriginal Art Co Founders - Troy Casey (Chair) and Amanda Hayman (Managing Director)
Our Occupy Residency partner for 2 of the 4 residencies in 2026 is Aboriginal Art Co (AAC), a First Nations–led gallery, store and arts organisation based in Meanjin/Magandjin/Brisbane. They present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and create meaningful opportunities for artists to develop, exhibit and share new work. Guided by strategic pillars, Artistic Presentation, Cultural Leadership and Capacity Building, AAC provides a culturally safe, artist-centred environment that supports creative experimentation, professional growth and community connection. As a partner and neighbouring gallery, AAC is excited to offer extra support for First Nations participation in the OCCUPY residency program.
Our partners for the 2nd Occupy Residency, 2026 is funded by anonymous patrons of the VA community who are passionate about building opportunities for Brisbane’s creative community.
This residency is in honour of Adam R H Bennett 1997 - 2024.
Be kind to yourself