The Tidal Exchange

The Tidal Exchange carries artists between the Central West and South East Arts regions of NSW.  Artists from Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire are eligible to apply.

This exchange, supported by South East Arts and Arts OutWest, is hosted at The Squatters Artist is Residency (AIR) Program and Narra Bukulla Artist in Residency Program.

 

The Squatter’s Cottage at The Foundations, Portland

Portland, NSW is a charming small village lost in time. Located in Central West NSW between Bathurst and Lithgow, it was known as the “The Town that Built Sydney”.  Established in 2020 the The Squatters Artist is Residency (AIR) Program has housed over fifty artists, staying for up to four weeks in ‘The Squat’ and working on site.  

The program has been, to date, via invitation.  Arts OutWest works with The Foundations and The Portland Collective (Harrie Fasher Studios, the Portland Foundry and The Portland Workshops) to facilitate this unique residency.

The Squatter’s Cottage sits within The Foundations precinct in Portland, NSW, which was once a huge cement works. The quarries are now lakes, the large estate is lined with informal bushwalks and the gracious industrial buildings are aged. 

The current owners have several projects underway as they reactivate this heritage industrial site, revitalising the site into a unique regional destination offering a diverse range of cultural, community and recreational experiences for visitors and residents.

Within the Foundations are a number of buildings that can potentially be accessed (depending on other scheduled usage) for additional studio/work spaces including The Powerhouse, The Annexe and The Guard House.

The Squat

It has been named ‘The Squat’ or ‘The Squatter’s Cottage’ as it is a largely unrenovated character-full basic cottage. It leans into “art squat” subculture of making art in spaces and places that are vacant and affordable.  It is not a purpose-built studio/accommodation residency. One resident has quipped “it is a step up from camping” and T. C. Overson the first AIR program National Art School prize recipient and later AIR program coordinator expressed “It’s a simple old place, yet full of character.” Many have found it to be the perfect space for a self-directed creative retreat.

Originally the building was the first Bank of New South Wales in the town: The studio was the bank and the attached cottage was the manager’s home. Many of the original features are still observable in the layers of time.  The Foundations Portland maintains the building structure.  Maintenance has included a new roof and electricals. There’s photos of the spaces in the FAQ below to give you a feel for the location and buildings.

Enquiries about the The Squatter’s Cottage’ Residency: 

Nicola Mason at Arts OutWest. nimason@csu.edu.au.

Further information 

• Foundations Experiences – The Foundations Portland NSW

• The Squatters Residency - Arts OutWest