The City of Stirling recognises the important role art plays in the creation of a liveable, vibrant and prosperous city. We support and advocate for Western Australian artists and are committed to a best practice approach to the development of a strong, sustainable creative economy.
2026 Artists in Residence announced
Artists in Residence 2026 | 20 July – 27 September 2026 (T3)
The City of Stirling is proud to announce the next cohort of artists who will undertake residencies across the City.
Six artists working across a range of practices and mediums will take up residence in five studios located in community facilities within Scarborough, Waterman’s Bay and Osborne Park. This cohort, all women, were chosen from a competitive field of artists who had expressed their interest in the program.
The City’s biennial program has supported 15 artists to date and continues to provide opportunities for artists to develop their practice through the provision of studio space, an artist's stipend and materials allowance, mentoring and professional development along with community-building activities.
In addition, the City of Stirling is proud to be a commissioning collaborator alongside SPACED for Know Thy Neighbour #4: Gestures. Know Thy Neighbour is a metro-focused residency program featuring eight (8) artists embedded in neighbourhoods and communities across Perth. Our Know Thy Neighbour #4 artist is Makaela Rowe-Fox, who will be undertaking her community-engaged project from Stirling Libraries – Mirrabooka.
For more information about the artists, their studio hours and opportunities to get involved, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/AIR
Image description: Artists in Residence cohort for 2026 (T3) left to right: Sheree Dohnt, Jenni Vacca, Amanda Kendle, Rebecca Ryan, Claire Davenhall and May Kee Cheah. Photo credit: Miles Noel Studio.
Arts opportunities
Expression of Interest: Artist Studios | Scarborough Community Hub
The City of Stirling is seeking expressions of interest from artists and creatives for three studio spaces at the Scarborough Community Hub in Scarborough.
Available free of charge for 3-month or 6-month tenancies between October 2026 and June 2027, the studios offer a supportive environment for artists working in visual arts, craft, writing and digital media. Applicants may choose between The Atelier, a large open-plan studio, or The Nook, comprising two smaller self-contained studios with a shared common area.
The opportunity is open to individuals, collaborators and creative groups, with priority given to artists who live, work or study within the City of Stirling. Artists from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal artists, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living with disability, LGBTQI+ individuals, refugees and migrants, are encouraged to apply.
Applications close 5pm Monday 14 September 2026.
Creatives + Connections: Emerging Artist Masterclass with Amber Creswell Bell
Join acclaimed arts writer, curator and emerging artist advocate Amber Creswell Bell for an intensive masterclass designed to help emerging artists confidently navigate the commercial art world.
Former Director of Emerging Art at Michael Reid Galleries, Sydney (2019-2025), Amber has worked with hundreds of artists and co-founded the National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP) in 2021. Now, she is bringing her expertise to Perth for a practical, information-packed session that demystifies the pathways to building a successful and sustainable arts career
Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your profile, this masterclass will provide valuable industry insights, practical tools and real-world advice.
City of Stirling residents receive a discounted registration price. Proof of address is required upon registration.
Saturday 14 November | 10.00am – 12.30pm | Stirling Leisure - Inglewood (Community Hall)
Public art expressions of interest
Are you an artist or landowner looking to create a mural in the City of Stirling?
Murals are a great way to bring colour and life to empty walls, floors, fences and utility infrastructure. They can tell stories, highlight social issues, provide commentary, create a sense of place or simply bring beauty to a location where there was none.
Throughout the year, the City works with a number of community groups and businesses to deliver murals to bring life and vibrancy to an area. Before you get started on your mural project, there are some things to consider.
Read the City’s handy Mural Guide to find out more, and reach out to the City's Public Art Officer on 9205 8555 or at art@stirling.wa.gov.au for any mural enquiries.
Image: 'Daydream Club' by Kyle Hughes-Odgers.
Art Awards and Exhibition
The City’s biennial Art Awards and Exhibition celebrates established, mid-career and emerging Western Australian artistic talent, bringing the community together to experience, support and purchase original artwork as part of a diverse exhibition and art prize.
Held every two years in October and November, the 2027 exhibition will feature a range of prize categories, artworks available for sale and a public program of events.
In 2025, over 1,200 people visited the Art Awards and Exhibition, which featured a prize pool valued at more than $14,000. The major $8,000 Acquisitive Award was presented to Wembley Downs resident, Deborah Collins-Worthy, for her eco-print on paper Kitchen Scraps #4, selected from a competitive field of more than 150 shortlisted artworks.
Entries for the next exhibition are expected to open in July 2027. Sign up to our eNewsletter to receive updates about the exhibition and other opportunities for artists.
Image: Deborah Collins-Worthy with her artwork, Kitchen Scraps #4. Photo credit: Ezra Alcantra Photography.
