Arts OutWest, in partnership with Health Infrastructure, sought expressions of interest (EOI) from visual artists to undertake a 7-week workshop residency (2 hours per week) within Blayney Multi-Purpose Service (MPS).

EOIs closed in May 2026.

This was a unique opportunity for a regional artist to develop a body of work in collaboration with residents, that is both socially engaged and responsive to the residents’ stories, histories, and creative voices.

Working within this environment offered a meaningful opportunity to:

• Foster connection and wellbeing through creative expression.
• Honour personal histories and lived experience.
• Create a collaborative and inclusive art-making space.

The residencIES

• Visual Arts Residency will run for a duration of 7 weeks. 1 x 2-hour workshop per week starting in June 2026.
• Also a 3 week music residency.
• Also commission of artworks by an Aboriginal artist.

OUTCOMES

• A collection of 10 x A2 framed artworks created by the artist and residents collaboratively
• Artworks on permanent exhibition within the MPS.
• A visual and/or written record of the project led by Arts OutWest.
• Enhanced engagement and wellbeing among participants.

Images: Laura Baker runs a workshop at Blayney MPS/ Steven Cavangh, Arts OutWest.

Blayney MPS project 2026