Indigenous Languages Creative Arts Residency

Language is more than words—it is memory, knowledge, and identity. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, language carries cultural knowledge and connects communities to Country, ancestors, and traditions. The Indigenous Languages Creative Arts Residencies at the State Library of Queensland provide a platform to celebrate, revitalise, and innovate First Nations languages by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging and established creatives to amplify language through contemporary and cultural expression. 

These residencies offer time, space, and resources to create works inspired by State Library of Queensland’s Indigenous language resources, while contributing to the revival and preservation of Queensland’s First Nations languages.  

Whether you're a writer, dancer, musician, designer, or digital artist, this residency offers time, space, and support to develop a language-based project that speaks to your spirit and your community. Participants can be from any creative discipline and may apply as individuals or in collaborative groups. 

This program is funded through the Commonwealth Indigenous Languages and Arts (ILA) program. 

What’s this residency about? 

The Indigenous Languages Creative Arts Residency is a part-time, flexible 8-week program designed with you, the artist, at the centre. You’ll dive into language and cultural research, access rich collections, and create something powerful—whether that’s a zine, a song, a video work, an exhibition, or something entirely your own. 

This residency supports creative freedom and cultural responsibility in equal measure. 

Why apply? 

Successful applicants will receive:  

• $8,000 stipend to support your project, time, and materials 
• 1:1 research support from State Library's expert team 
• Access to creative spaces including The Edge digital lab and design tools 
• Networking & showcasing opportunities at public events like Night by the Fire 
• A chance to bring your language to life through art, performance, or storytelling 

You don’t need to live in Brisbane to apply. Our hybrid model is designed to work with your world—blending time onsite with creative work at home, in studio, or on Country. 

What could it look like?

• Audio installations weaving language and story 
• Performances of dance and song on reclaimed words 
• Zines preserving community dialects 
• Visual artworks inspired by Elders’ voices and old archives 
• Interactive community workshops and exhibitions 
• Translation of a story in collection into a traditional language song 
• The ideas could be endless…Your idea could be next! 

How it could work 

Here’s a rough guide (but you can help shape your own schedule): 

Weeks 1–3: Onsite research at State Library (3 days/week) 
Weeks 4–5: Hybrid — work from home/studio, optional check-ins 
Weeks 6–8: Offsite — focus on outcomes and community connection 

Who can apply? 

This opportunity is for: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives 
• With a cultural connection to a Queensland Indigenous language 
• Ready to explore, celebrate or share that language through art 

You can apply solo or as a duo. 

What we’re looking for 

Your project idea should: 

• Centre on First Nations language revitalisation 
• Show creativity and potential for community or cultural impact 
• Engage meaningfully with State Library collections 
• Inspire others through performance, exhibition, digital works, or public engagement 

Important details 

• Residency length: 8 weeks (part-time/flexible) 
• Location: Hybrid; onsite (Brisbane) and offsite (your place/community) 
• Residencies available: 6 in 2025 (across two rounds) 

How to apply

Head to the online Expression of Interest form. You’ll need to include: 

• Your cultural connection to the language(s) you're working with 
• The name and AustLang code of the language(s) (find yours at AIATSIS AustLang) 
• A 500-word project idea 
• A short bio or CV 
• A simple budget 
• Your preferred dates (if known) 
• One referee or a letter of support 

Need help or have questions?

We’re here to help. Email indigenousLanguages@slq.qld.gov.au 

Outcome Ideas… 

• Audio installations weaving language and story 
• Performances of dance and song on reclaimed words 
• Zines preserving community dialects 
• Visual artworks inspired by Elders’ voices and old archives 
• Interactive community workshops and exhibitions 

Your idea could be next. 

Applications close on Friday 30 May 2025. 

Let your creativity speak language into the future.