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 in our community, 4 x residencies will be offered across each year.
UPCOMING
↓
UPCOMING ↓
For our first Occupy Residency of 2026, Vacant Assembly is proud to partner with Aboriginal Art Co
to support a First Nations artist to participate in our Occupy program.
RESIDENCies
Applications Open
March 13th
for First Nations Applicants
April 23rd -
July 9th
Applications Close
March 27th
Applicant Chosen
April 4th
July 12th - Sept 27th
Sept 30th - Dec 16th
Feb 2nd - April 19th ‘27
Occupy What???
Are you actively exploring new forms of material practice, social engagement, or experimental ways to approach practice?
Applications for the second Occupy Residency (2025) open May 12th
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
Occupy
Occupy
Occupy
Congratulations to Kieron Boona Anderson, our first Occupy Resident. He is a direct descendant of the Ngugi people of Moreton Island and Kullilli People of Thargomindah.
Kieron is deeply connected to the continuation and sharing of knowledge from his grandparents homelands and the sacred systems that have been entrusted to him across both nations. He brings together his professions as a trained chef and an emerging contemporary artist to share old + new stories, emphasising cultural resilience and food sovereignty.
Artist Residency Discussion -
July 2nd
SAVE THE DATE…
Residency Outcome Exhibition - TBC
Occupy Residency #1
Partner - Aboriginal ARt Co
Aboriginal Art Co Founders - Troy Casey (Chair) and Amanda Hayman (Managing Director)
Aboriginal Art Co (AAC) is 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.