Backbone’s On Display program is open to project proposals for new works.

YES. Our On Display Program is open to individuals and small groups (up to 4 artists per group). Applications will need to have one main contact, who can act as the main point of communication.

While Backbone's focus is on artists 30 years and under our On Display Program is open to:

1. Individual artists 30 years and under.

2. Collectives where the lead creative and majority of the team is 30 years and under.

Backbone is a multi-arts organisation, but our On Display program is curated for visual artists specifically. We highly encourage applicants experimenting with form and process to apply. On Display is open (but not limited) to practitioners in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, ceramics, photography, design, crafts, and architecture.

We support curious, untamed, and experimental thinkers from all artistic backgrounds. If you are unsure if your art form is right for this opportunity, reach out to us at info@backbone.org.au

• Open and ongoing communication.

• Work in collaboration with the Backbone team to ensure all parties are supported.

• Provide feedback to Backbone at the end of the On Display Program to help assist and develop our future programs.

• During the On Display Program, artists are expected to act as ambassadors of Backbone, through promoting your outcome through the On Display Program and any other public outcomes (i.e. artists-talks, workshops etc.).

• Some form of community engagement (e.g. artists talk, open studio, opening night event etc.)

• An artist’s fee of $3000 (to supplement wages and/or production expenses)

• In-kind support and advice from Backbone producers and leaders.

• Access to Backbone's available venue spaces, technical resources and equipment.

• Up to 4 months public exhibition of your works at Seven Hills Hub

• Access to a display cabinet ongoing for 4 months

• Ongoing mentorship and artistic support from project manager Micah Rustichelli

• Opportunity to exhibit and sell works across the duration of the residency

Applications will be assessed by Backbone staff using the following criteria:

1. The project is led by a majority of artist/s aged 30 and under

2. Clear articulation of the project proposal

3. Strength, originality and viability of the proposal.

4. Potential impact of the opportunity on the career or practice of the artist/s.

5. How your idea aligns with the Backbone ethos: curious, untamed, experimental.

YES. Projects created as a part of this program are required to have a public outcome to be considered for the On Display Program. It is expected that artists have something on display for the majority of their 4 month residency. However, the display can change and evolve over time.

On Display Artists will also be encouraged to undertake some form of community engagement whether through open studio sessions, artists talks or opening night events.

Unfortunately, Backbone does not have space for artists to set up a permanent studio or store large items (other than in the display case, of course!). However, we do have three studio spaces which can be made available to you providing your work can be packed down. You can view our available spaces here. Please note that this venue is open to the public for bookings and occasionally Backbone will need to prioritise paid bookings. If access to space is integral to your process, please let us know which space would be your preference and how you would use it in the application form.

YES. As the cabinets are in public view at a venue that is frequented by a diverse community of young people, children and families, the artworks displayed will need to be appropriate for such audiences. Additionally, artworks with organic matter or perishable materials will also be ineligible.

The cabinets do not have access to power, but do have 1 downlight each.

To apply, you will need to clearly explain the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHY of your project. You will also need to include a CV/resume of the lead creative.

You can submit this via our Application Form which is available on our website, HERE OR by submitting a short 5-10 minute video that responds to all the questions in the EOI form to:

info@backbone.org.au

Using the Application Form HERE

If you require further assistance, or would like to submit your application in a different way, please contact us info@backbone.org.au