--- title: >- Wilderness immersion – hosted artist residencies in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Blue Mountains near Sydney description: >- 4-10 week self-funded residency on the edge of Wollemi National Park in the Greater Blue Mountains, Australia, with studio, accommodation and guided bushwalks. url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/b15991e7-d318-4de1-9f78-fa0ae3cf0d81' type: program status: closed createdAt: '2026-09-04' updatedAt: '2026-09-30' programType: Residency organization: BigCi organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/bigci' deadline: '2026-09-29' location: 'Bilpin, New South Wales, Australia' isOnline: false compensationRange: >- No stipend; subsidised residency fee of AUD$350/week (Australian artists) or AUD$400/week (international artists) covers accommodation, work space, shared living facilities, internet, electricity, water and project support. disciplines: - painting - sculpture - multimedia - performance - writing - music - film - dance - mixed media --- # Wilderness immersion – hosted artist residencies in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Blue Mountains near Sydney **Hosted by:** BigCi **Type:** Residency | **Location:** Bilpin, New South Wales, Australia | **Deadline:** September 29, 2026 ## About This Program > "Environmental and ecological issues connected to the Wollemi National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains, though open to any creative pursuit inspired by the natural surroundings." **Applications open for artist residencies on the edge of Wollemi National Park, 1.5hrs from Sydney.** BigCi is an independent, artist run, not for profit artist residency program focusing on artists' professional development and facilitating their projects. BigCi has been established and run by Rae Bolotin, a practicing artist, and Yuri Bolotin, environmentalist and wilderness explorer. Because of our location on the edge of Wollemi National Park within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains and the knowledge base of our team, many of our resident artists are particularly interested in projects that explore environmental or ecological issues, although many others use our beautiful natural surroundings as a source of creativity for a variety of different artistic pursuits. All residents have opportunities to take part in bushwalks conducted by Yuri Bolotin, an experienced mountain guide and author, and to learn first-hand about the unique natural environment of the area. Artists-in-residence are able to present their work during a BigCi Open Day that usually takes place at the end of their stay. ### Duration of residency Artists usually stay for 4-10 weeks. ### Accommodation Self contained in large studios. ### Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Painters, sculptors, multimedia artists, performance artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers and other creative souls are invited to apply for the residency. Curators, artistic directors, visionaries and ideas people are invited to propose events, gatherings, exhibitions and other creative initiatives. ### Studio / Workspace There is an abundance of workspaces to suit every need, both within the studios and in the common areas (in the Art Shed). ### Fees and support Successful applicants are charged a subsidised residency fee, which is AUD$350 per person per week for Australian artists and AUD$400 for International artists. Please note that these subsidised fees are available only to self-funded artists. Our rates for organisations are AUD$700 for Australian artists and AUD$800 for International artists. The residency fees include artist accommodation, work space, shared living facilities, bathroom, kitchen, internet, electricity, water. They also include artist support and assistance in facilitation of the projects. Successful applicants will be responsible for all other costs including food, transport, travel costs, insurance, and art materials. There is no stipend or living allowance attached to the stay in BigCi. The artists should consider other ways to fund their visit. At the time of booking, artists will be required to pay a refundable bond of AUD$500. The refundable bond covers any costs associated with damage or extraordinary cleaning. ### Expectations towards the artist There is a possibility of an exhibition, performance, workshop or other special event during or at the end of the residency, as well as a representation on the BigCi website and social media. ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Geographic Eligibility:** International - **Disciplines:** painting, sculpture, multimedia, performance, writing, music, film, dance, mixed media - **Note:** Subsidised residency fees are available only to self-funded artists; organisation rates apply otherwise. ## Compensation & Benefits No stipend; subsidised residency fee of AUD$350/week (Australian artists) or AUD$400/week (international artists) covers accommodation, work space, shared living facilities, internet, electricity, water and project support. Successful applicants are charged a subsidised residency fee, which is AUD$350 per person per week for Australian artists and AUD$400 for International artists. Rates for organisations are AUD$700 for Australian artists and AUD$800 for International artists. The residency fees include artist accommodation, work space, shared living facilities, bathroom, kitchen, internet, electricity, water, and artist support and assistance in facilitation of the projects. Successful applicants are responsible for all other costs including food, transport, travel costs, insurance, and art materials. There is no stipend or living allowance attached to the stay in BigCi. At the time of booking, artists are required to pay a refundable bond of AUD$500 covering any costs associated with damage or extraordinary cleaning. ## What's Provided - **Housing:** Provided - Self-contained accommodation in large studios, included in the residency fee along with shared living facilities, bathroom, kitchen, internet, electricity and water. - **Studio Access:** Provided - There is an abundance of workspaces to suit every need, both within the studios and in the common areas (in the Art Shed). ## Timeline - **Opens:** September 4, 2026 - **Deadline:** September 29, 2026 - **Program Start:** February 24, 2027 - **Program End:** March 23, 2027 ## How to Apply Apply at: https://bigci.org/artist-residency/